By Sunday 
A Major Setback for New York’s Rotation
The New York Mets have been dealt an early-season blow as left-hander Sean Manaea has suffered a setback in his recovery from a right oblique strain. Initially expected to return by late April, Manaea has now been shut down from throwing for at least two weeks, delaying his timeline and raising concerns about the Mets’ pitching depth.
Manaea’s Road to Recovery Hits a Snag
Just as he was ramping up his throwing program, Manaea experienced discomfort, prompting further evaluation. Imaging revealed inflammation, and on Monday, he received a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection to aid the healing process.
“He experienced some discomfort a couple of days ago when he was starting to ramp up,” manager Carlos Mendoza explained before the Mets’ game against the Miami Marlins. “He’s going to go two weeks with no throwing, so we’re going to start building him back up.”
This development is a significant blow for both Manaea and the Mets, as the veteran lefty had already missed all of spring training due to the injury. Originally placed on the 15-day injured list on March 27, his return now appears to be pushed well beyond the initial late-April estimate.
A Key Piece Missing from the Mets’ Rotation
Manaea was New York’s most reliable starter in 2024, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA in 32 outings. His strong performance helped the Mets reach the National League Championship Series, cementing his role as a crucial part of the rotation.
Recognizing his value, the Mets re-signed him in January on a three-year, $75 million deal. With this injury setback, however, the team is now forced to reconsider how they will manage their starting staff in his absence.
What This Means for the Mets’ Pitching Staff
With Manaea sidelined, the Mets will need to rely on their remaining starters to step up. The team has already been dealing with early-season pitching concerns, and losing a dependable arm like Manaea puts added pressure on the rotation.
Mendoza and his staff may need to look toward depth options, including potential call-ups or bullpen games, to bridge the gap. The Mets’ ability to stay competitive in the early months of the season could depend on how well they adjust to this unexpected challenge.
For now, the focus remains on Manaea’s recovery, but his absence leaves a glaring hole in a rotation that was counting on his presence. Mets fans will be hoping that when he does return, he can quickly regain the form that made him such a vital piece of last year’s success.