The Mets fought. With the Padres. With plate umpire Emil Jimenez, repeatedly. And right until their final swing.

This article was originally published on risingapple.com as 3 NY Mets players who’ve helped confirm they found their new Grimace last Sunday. Not all heroes wear capes. Some are nude, large, and purple like Grimace. Others are a little more big-headed and round like the newest good luck charm of the New York Mets, Pablo Sanchez.

Until David Peterson underwent hip surgery two offseasons ago, he was a useful but unremarkable Major League piece. Peterson’s league-adjusted 90 ERA+ through that point of his career suggested he was a below-average pitcher.

David Peterson was in his first full season professionally, pitching for Single-A St. Lucie in 2018 when he received his first exposure to a Mets icon, attempting a comeback for his last hurrah. It was during those interactions with a rehabbing David Wright that Peterson received a crash course on determination.

The New York Mets are in the midst of a hot stretch and have plenty of people to thank for the success, including one that is entirely fictional.

The trade deadline in MLB is rapidly approaching and several teams are expected to add players at positions of need as they approach playoff pushes, including the New York Mets.

The Mets have a five-game win streak entering the second game of their series against the Giants on Saturday night at Oracle Park.