Mets’ Spring Training Blues: Rotation Woes Mount
The New York Mets’ spring training honeymoon was cut short when two key starting pitchers were sidelined with injuries, casting a shadow over their Opening Day aspirations.
Manaea’s Oblique Strain
Sean Manaea, who signed a lucrative three-year, $75 million contract this offseason, has been diagnosed with a strained right oblique. The injury requires a two-week shutdown from throwing, effectively resetting his spring buildup.
With Opening Day less than three weeks away from Manaea’s projected return to throwing, it is likely that he will start the season on the injured list. This leaves a significant hole in the Mets’ rotation, especially considering that Frankie Montas, another prized offseason acquisition, is already expected to miss the first two months of the season with a high-grade lat strain.
Depth and Question Marks
Despite these setbacks, the Mets have a degree of depth in their starting staff. Kodai Senga, a Japanese import, has impressed early in spring training, reaching 98 mph on the radar gun despite undergoing shoulder surgery last year. David Peterson is expected to slot in behind Senga as the second starter.
However, the Mets will need to rely on several question marks to fill the remaining rotation spots. Clay Holmes, a former Yankees closer, is attempting to convert to a starter. Paul Blackburn, who had his 2023 season cut short by a spinal fluid leak, is ideally suited as rotation depth but may be thrust into a starting role.
Tylor Megill and Griffin Canning, both considered long shots for the rotation, may also see increased playing time early in the season. Jose Butto is another potential option, but manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated that he is likely to be used as a multi-inning reliever.
External Options Unlikely
Manaea’s injury is not considered severe enough to warrant exploring external options, according to Mendoza. However, it does create a less-than-ideal situation as the Mets approach Opening Day.
Concerns and Outlook
The Mets’ rotation, once considered a potential strength, is now facing some uncertainty. Senga and Peterson are reliable options, but the rest of the staff has question marks. The lack of a clear No. 3 starter is particularly concerning.
The Mets will need to hope that Holmes and Blackburn can make successful transitions to the rotation. If they can’t, they may be forced to rely on unproven or unreliable pitchers, which could compromise their chances of contending in the National League East.
The situation is fluid, and the Mets still have time to address these issues before Opening Day. However, the injuries to Manaea and Montas have cast a pall over the team’s optimism, and it remains to be seen whether they can find the answers they need to field a strong and reliable starting rotation.
