Mets Face Early Setback as Sean Manaea Sidelined with Oblique Strain

The New York Mets are gearing up for the 2024 season, but their preparations have hit a roadblock. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Sean Manaea, the team’s ace from last season, has been shut down from pitching due to an oblique strain. Manaea, who emerged as a critical piece of the Mets’ rotation in 2023, felt discomfort in his oblique early in spring training camp but continued throwing in hopes the issue would resolve itself. However, as the pain persisted, the Mets sent him for an MRI, which revealed the strain.

Manaea’s injury is a significant blow to the Mets’ starting rotation, especially considering his performance last season. In 2023, he pitched to a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts, solidifying himself as the team’s top pitcher. The left-hander recently returned to the Mets on a three-year, $75 million contract, a deal that underscored his importance to the team’s success. Now, with Manaea sidelined, the Mets are facing an unexpected challenge just weeks into spring training.

Frankie Montas Also Out, Testing the Mets’ Rotation Depth

The Mets are not only dealing with Manaea’s absence but also another key loss in their starting rotation. Just last week, Frankie Montas was diagnosed with a high-grade lat strain, an injury that will keep him from throwing until at least the end of spring training. Montas, a promising addition to the team, was expected to play a significant role this season. His injury, combined with Manaea’s, leaves the Mets scrambling to fill the gaps in their rotation ahead of Opening Day.

Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed frustration at the situation, stating, “You hate to see it, especially before we get to March, two of your guys are going down. But we have been talking about our depth and here we are getting tested.” Mendoza’s comments highlight the team’s reliance on their pitching depth, which is now being put to the test earlier than anticipated.

The Road to Recovery for Sean Manaea

Sean Manaea’s road to recovery will be a lengthy one. According to Carlos Mendoza, Manaea will need to take a break from throwing for at least “a couple of weeks” to allow the oblique strain to heal properly. Once he is cleared to resume throwing, he will need to undergo a full buildup process, which typically includes a gradual progression from light tossing to full mound sessions. This timeline puts Manaea’s potential return to the Mets’ rotation in mid-to-late April.

The extended absence of Manaea and Montas leaves the Mets with a depleted starting rotation as they approach the start of the season. While the team has expressed confidence in their pitching depth, the loss of two key arms is undeniably concerning. The Mets will need to rely on other pitchers to step up and fill the void until Manaea and Montas are ready to return to action.

The Remaining Options in the Mets’ Rotation

With Manaea and Montas sidelined, the Mets will turn to their remaining pitching options to fill out the rotation. The team is currently looking at a group that includes Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. While this group lacks the proven track record of Manaea and Montas, it offers a mix of experience, potential, and versatility that could help the Mets navigate the early stages of the season.

Kodai Senga, a highly touted offseason signing, will likely take on a more prominent role in the rotation. The right-hander from Japan is expected to bring strikeouts and excitement to the mound, and his performance will be closely watched as the Mets look to him as a potential ace. Meanwhile, pitchers like David Peterson and Tylor Megill, who have experience at the MLB level, will need to step up and provide consistent innings.

The Challenge Ahead for the Mets

The Mets’ early-season rotation challenges underscore the unpredictability of baseball and the importance of depth. While the team prepared for the possibility of injuries during the offseason, losing two starters before the calendar even flips to March is a tough pill to swallow. The Mets will need to lean on their organizational depth and the resilience of their pitching staff to weather this storm.

Manager Carlos Mendoza has emphasized the need for the remaining pitchers to rise to the occasion. “We have been talking about our depth, and here we are getting tested,” he said. This mindset will be crucial as the Mets look to stay competitive in a tough division. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these early setbacks will play a significant role in determining their success this season.

Looking Ahead: Implications for the Season

While the injuries to Manaea and Montas are undeniably disappointing, they also present an opportunity for other pitchers to make an impact. The Mets have a long season ahead of them, and the performance of their rotation in the absence of these two starters will be closely monitored. If the team can find a way to remain competitive until Manaea and Montas return, they will be well-positioned to make a push for the playoffs later in the year.

In the meantime, the Mets will continue to focus on the progress of their injured pitchers, ensuring that they return to the mound at full strength. For now, the team must rely on the depth they’ve built and the determination of their players to overcome this early hurdle. The 2024 season is still young, and the Mets have the talent and resilience to navigate these challenges and achieve their goals.