Every game matters for the Mets in the final week of the regular season, and that means tough decisions are going to have to be made, including who will start games down the stretch.

David Peterson was the Mets' best pitcher in the first half of the season, but has struggled mightily of late, including Tuesday against the Cubs, when the southpaw had one of the worst starts of his year. Peterson got just four outs, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks, but the Mets made a furious comeback to win, 9-7.

The win catapulted them back into a playoff position and gave the Mets control of their destiny. However, Peterson's night almost sank those chances.

"Tough night for him, not able to fill the strike zone the way we wanted to, the way he wanted to," Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. "Three-ball counts, got behind hitters and then when he came in, they made contact that found holes. the walks. Again, we’re going to need this guy. I know it’s been a struggle; it wasn’t a good one today, but our job is to continue to support him and he’s going to play a big role here in the next few days. Counting on him. He’s got to flush this one, and be ready for whenever we give him the ball again."

Over his last seven starts, Peterson has pitched to an 8.07 ERA. Those performances have put Peterson's spot in the rotation in jeopardy. Peterson has been slated to pitch Sunday in the regular season finale in Miami, but when Mendoza was asked about whether the lefty will come out of the bullpen instead, the skipper said it's a possibility.

"Where we’re at nowadays, we got to take it one game at a time," he said. "Maybe he starts a game, but we have to get there."

Peterson tossed just 42 pitches before Mendoza pulled him, so he could be used out of the bullpen over the weekend, and Peterson does have experience as a reliever. When Peterson was asked if he's concerned about his role on the team, the 30-year-old remained focused on what's best for the team.

“I’m not concerned at all," he said. "We gotta win every game possible and I will do everything that I can to help this team win ballgames.”

Mendoza has had to juggle starters and the bullpen a lot of late. He's already used Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes out of the bullpen and may have to do the same for Peterson. The Mets have already announced Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean will finish up the series in Chicago. Brandon Sproat will pitch a game in Miami, but the probables for the other two games are up in the air.

But the second-year manager remains confident in his pitchers, including Manaea and Peterson, in whatever role he needs them to fill.

"We’re going to get the best version of themselves pretty soon," Mendoza said. "It’s all hands on deck when you talk about who is going to start, who is going to come out of the bullpen. How can we get 27 outs and give us a chance to win a baseball game. I know those guys will step up. it’s been hard for them, but I wouldn’t be surprised if those guys get big outs for us pretty soon."

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