New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is set to begin the upcoming season on the injured list due to a right oblique strain. Manaea revealed that he had been grappling with the issue since the start of spring training, with the discomfort showing no signs of improvement over the past few weeks. Despite continuing to throw and pitch, his recovery progress has been stagnant, prompting an MRI over the weekend.
The Mets' manager confirmed that Manaea will refrain from throwing until he is symptom-free, a process that could take two to three weeks. The injury is limited to the muscle and does not involve the tendon or rib cage, offering a positive outlook for his eventual return. It is anticipated that Manaea will likely miss the start of the season and be placed on the injured list.
In a separate development, infielder Nick Madrigal sustained a fractured left shoulder during a spring training game, further depleting the Mets' roster. The 27-year-old, vying for a spot on the team, suffered the injury while making a defensive play at shortstop.
With Manaea and Frankie Montas sidelined, the Mets find themselves without two key starters. Montas is currently recovering from a strained back and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, potentially returning in May. In the absence of Manaea and Montas, the Mets' rotation is projected to feature Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning.
Sean Manaea's Impact with the Mets
During his debut season with the Mets, Manaea delivered an impressive performance, posting a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA in 32 starts. His stellar contributions earned him a lucrative three-year contract extension. The left-hander's decision to decline his player option for 2025 led to a new deal worth $75 million.
Manaea's transformation into a key asset for the Mets was evident as he adjusted his pitching style midseason, emulating the successful approach of fellow left-hander Chris Sale. His standout performances down the stretch played a pivotal role in the Mets' postseason run to the National League Championship Series.
A seasoned veteran with nine years of major league experience, Manaea boasts a career record of 77-62 with a 4.00 ERA. Notable highlights include pitching a no-hitter for the Oakland Athletics in 2018. Despite the setback of his current injury, Mets fans can anticipate Manaea's return to the mound in the coming months, aiming to replicate his previous success.
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