Manaea to Start Season on IL
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a right oblique strain. Manaea revealed that he has been dealing with this issue since the start of spring training. "It didn’t get worse, but it just kind of plateaued," he explained. "The worst part is that it never improved over the last couple of weeks." Despite his efforts to continue throwing and pitching, Manaea admitted that his recovery has not been as effective as hoped. He underwent an MRI over the weekend, which will help guide his path to recovery.
Manager’s Perspective
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza provided further details on Manaea’s condition, emphasizing the positive aspects. "The good news is that the tendon is not involved, and the rib cage is also not affected. It’s just a muscle strain," he said. Mendoza noted that Manaea would be sidelined for a couple of weeks before reassessment and a gradual return to form. Given the extended recovery time, it is likely that Manaea will start the season on the injured list. This setback is a significant blow to the Mets, who rely heavily on Manaea’s experience and performance.
Madrigal’s Injury
Adding to the Mets’ woes, infielder Nick Madrigal has been diagnosed with a fractured left shoulder, which occurred during a spring training game. The 27-year-old was playing shortstop when he charged a grounder up the middle, threw to first base, and then fell to the ground. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, and he is undergoing further testing to determine the best course of action. Madrigal, who is vying for a roster spot, will need to take some time off to heal, which could affect his chances of making the Opening Day roster.
Rotational Adjustments
With Manaea now sidelined, the Mets are without two of their expected starters. Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal in December, is out due to a strained back. Montas is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, ruling him out until May at the earliest. If all goes well, Manaea could potentially return in April, but the Mets will need to navigate the early part of the season without their top starters. This leaves the projected rotation with Kodai Senga, David Peterson, former All-Star closer Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning. These players will need to step up and fill the void left by Manaea and Montas.
Manaea’s Impact
Manaea’s importance to the Mets cannot be overstated. In his debut with the team last season, he compiled a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts. His new, three-year, $75 million contract came after he declined his player option for 2025, turning down the final $13.5 million of his previous two-year, $28 million deal. As a free agent for the third consecutive offseason, Manaea also turned down a $21.05 million qualifying offer. His performance last year was remarkable, as he struck out 184 batters and walked 63 in a career-high 181 2/3 innings. Midseason, he lowered his arm slot to emulate Chris Sale, another elite left-hander, and became the Mets’ most effective starter down the stretch, posting a 6-2 record and 3.09 ERA in his final 12 regular-season games. During the playoffs, Manaea went 2-1 with a 4.74 ERA and 19 strikeouts in four starts, contributing to the Mets’ surprising run to the National League Championship Series.
Mets’ Future Outlook
Manaea, a nine-year major league veteran, has a solid career record of 77-62 with a 4.00 ERA in 198 starts and 30 relief appearances across stints with Oakland, San Diego, San Francisco, and the Mets. He famously pitched a no-hitter for the A’s against Boston in April 2018. The Mets will need to find creative solutions to cover for Manaea and Montas in the early part of the season. The remaining starters will have to shoulder more responsibility, and the coaching staff will look to develop a solid rotation that can sustain the team’s success. Despite the setbacks, the Mets remain a formidable team with a strong core and high expectations for the upcoming season.
