Every pitching staff needs a workhorse, and that's what David Peterson has become for the New York Mets. Coming off his first good season as a starter last year, it was hard to know what to expect from Peterson in this volatile Mets rotation.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/mlb/mets as Mets' slugger gives candid response to inconsistent playing time. It has been a tough season for New York Mets ' slugger Mark Vientos, to say the least.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza reacts to David Peterson's 8-inning gem vs. Nationals, giving bullpen rest and playoff push momentum.

But finishing this marathon has proven challenging: Holmes is averaging less than five innings in his last nine starts, the Mets losing five of them, as he’s posted a 5.02 ERA and his strikeout-walk ratio has shriveled to 1.66.

The New York Mets look to continue their modest upswing on Tuesday when they open a three-game series against the host Washington Nationals.