The New York Mets rotation has taken another hit with starting pitcher Sean Manaea expected to miss Opening Day with an oblique injury. According to Sportsnet New York, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza claims the injury will keep him out of the lineup for a couple of weeks. “The good news is this is not — the tendon is not involved, the rib cage is not involved,” Mendoza said. “It’s just straight muscle, so he’s going to be shut down for a couple of weeks — and then we’ll reassess after that. We’ve gotta build him back up again. Safe to say that he’s probably going to start the season on the IL.” The Mets already have starter Frankie Montas shut down with a strained back. But the Mets remain optimistic about the circumstances as the severity of Manaea’s injury isn’t too concerning.
Sean Manaea has an oblique injury – he is shut down for “a couple of weeks.” He will likely start the season on the IL.
— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 24, 2025
Mets Left-Handed Starter Likely Starting Season On IL
Starting Rotation Options For Mets
The Mets are viewing Sean Manaea’s injury as relatively short-term, expect him back some time in April (at least as of now). His situation doesn’t significantly change their pitching plans right now in terms of relying on depth, league sources said.
— Will Sammon (@WillSammon) February 24, 2025
Even with Manaea and Montas’s injury, the Mets have other options that they can turn to. They have prospects such as Blade Tidwell and Brandon Sproat who have the opportunity to make their MLB debuts. The Mets also have Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning who could be used as a spot start. Also, there are still free-agent starters available on the market, such as Jose Quintana. A reunion with the veteran was rumored weeks ago. But the Mets have yet to act on the opportunity to acquire him in the offseason, with only speculation and no news of offers.
Impact of Manaea’s Absence
But with Manaea out, his presence in the rotation will be missed. Manaea offers stability and consistency through his dominant presence on the mound. He helps to strengthen the rotation with his ability to keep his team in games by eating up innings. Overall, Manaea demonstrated how he was a key piece to the Mets’ success, with quality pitching most prominently emerging late in the season in 2024.
Main Photo Credits: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
