The New York Mets have lost two of their most important offseason pitching acquisitions in a span of days.
Last week, the Mets shut down starting Frankie Montas, who inked a two-year, $34 million contract, owing to a severe lat strain. He will be out for the next six to eight weeks and will need another six weeks to regain pitching form.
Montas will most likely not be able to return to the rotation until late May.
Now, the Mets have lost a second starter who will not be ready for Opening Day.
Sean Manaea, the New York Mets’ starter, is out with an oblique injury.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters, including The Athletic’s Will Sammon, that Sean Manaea, who inked a three-year, $75 million contract to return to Queens, will begin the season on the injured list with a right oblique strain.
“The Mets believe Manaea’s ailment is temporary and expect him to return in April, according to individuals familiar with the situation. While that is the current schedule, oblique injuries are notoriously difficult,” Sammon explained.
Manaea emerged as one of the Mets’ finest starters in 2023 during their postseason run to the NLCS. In 32 starts, he struck out 184 in 181 2/3 innings, posting a 1.084 WHIP, 3.47 ERA, 114 ERA+, and 3.83 FIP.
With Manaea out, the Mets are down $109 million in starting pitchers. The rotation now includes Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and offseason acquisition Clay Holmes. The Mets also have Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, and Paul Blackburn as backups.
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