Mets President of Baseball Operations Reveals Manaea’s Injury Update
New York Mets president of baseball operations, David Stearns, provided updates on the injury status of key players during a recent press conference. For left-hander Sean Manaea, who has been sidelined due to an injury, Stearns indicated that the next step in his recovery would be a reevaluation involving "re-test, re-image" procedures, likely to occur on Monday or Tuesday. "And then if all is good from that, then we progress into the throwing program," Stearns explained. He added that while Manaea hasn’t experienced a spring training routine yet, the estimated return timeframe remains mid-to-late April. The Mets also had to cope with the early injury of another recent acquisition, Frankie Montas, a situation Stearns acknowledged as unfortunate but part of the sport’s nature. "I would have preferred it didn’t happen before our first spring training game," he said with a wry smile, but he remains confident in the team’s depth and the progress of both pitchers.
Confidence in the Mets’ Starting Rotation
Stearns conveyed a sense of optimism about the Mets’ starting rotation, despite the early setbacks. He noted that the team’s other starters, including David Peterson and Kodai Senga, as well as Clay Holmes, have been performing well during spring training. "A number of them came to camp maybe working on something different, and by and large those new projects have gone well," he said. The president of baseball operations emphasized that the club is encouraged by the progress of these pitchers, adding that they are "built to withstand" the early injuries. This confidence underscores the Mets’ commitment to developing their pitching staff and their readiness to face the challenges of the regular season.
Brandon Sproat: A Bright Young Prospect
Brandon Sproat, the Mets’ No. 1 prospect, has been making waves during spring training, and Stearns couldn’t help but be impressed. "It’s tough not to be impressed," Stearns stated, highlighting Sproat’s focused and professional demeanor. Despite his rapid ascent through the minor leagues, Sproat faced some challenges at Triple-A Syracuse last year, where he posted a 7.53 ERA over 28.2 innings. Stearns emphasized that the club wants to see significant success at the Triple-A level before promoting him to the majors. "We want him to get guys out and I think he will," he said with a broad smile. The organization is committed to giving Sproat the time and resources he needs to fully develop his skills.
Opportunities for Young Infielders
In the wake of injuries to key players like Nick Madrigal, Stearns was asked about the decision not to bring back veterans such as José Quintana and Jose Iglesias. "No, we feel really good about our team," he responded, noting that the club has prepared for injuries and believes in its depth. Stearns is particularly excited about the opportunities that will be available for young players. "We need to have space on our roster for younger players to make an impact, particularly at positions where you have significant talent reaching the upper levels of the minor leagues," he said. This approach reflects the Mets’ strategy of fostering talent and ensuring that their prospects get the necessary playing time to develop.
Dedniel Núñez’s Slow Start and Careful Monitoring
Right-hander Dedniel Núñez, who suffered a strained right flexor tendon at the end of the previous season, has had a slow start to spring training. However, Stearns reported that Núñez "feels really good right now." The plan is to get him into live batting practices within the next week and then gradually reintroduce him to game action. Stearns emphasized that Núñez’s usage will need to be carefully monitored throughout the season due to his history of elbow issues. "It’s always gonna be in the back of our minds, it’s always a possibility," he noted, underscoring the importance of balancing Núñez’s workload to prevent further injuries.
Insights into Juan Soto and a Calm Spring Training
Stearns also shared insights into Juan Soto, the player at the center of last offseason’s trade discussions. "He’s got a really good sense of humor. He likes to have fun, he’s a funny guy," Stearns said, revealing a lighter side to Soto. However, Soto’s professionalism is equally noteworthy. "When you watch him across the field, he takes his craft so seriously," Stearns continued, emphasizing Soto’s dedication to hitting and his interactions with teammates and staff. When asked about any surprises this spring, Stearns responded that the most surprising aspect has been the camp’s normalcy and calmness. "It’s been calm, I think we have a group of coaches who know what their jobs are who are very focused on getting our players ready," he said, adding that the players are also very focused on preparing for the season. This orderly and business-like atmosphere bodes well for the Mets as they look ahead to the regular season.
