Mets received good news today regarding their injured pitcher
Mets received good news today regarding their injured pitcher.
Sean Manaea Cleared to Resume Throwing Following Right Oblique Injury
While one New York team has faced a string of setbacks with its starting pitchers, the Mets shared a more encouraging update on one of their key arms.
On March 13, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza informed reporters that Sean Manaea had been cleared to start throwing again. A follow-up MRI on his right oblique revealed no further concerns.
“He’s clear,” Mendoza confirmed. “He played catch for the first time two days ago, so yeah, he’s symptom-free, he’s doing well, and he’s starting his throwing progression.”
Manaea’s Road to Recovery
Manaea first experienced discomfort in his oblique early in spring training, and by late February, the Mets ruled him out for Opening Day.
“It’s incredibly disappointing,” Manaea admitted at the time, with initial projections setting his return for mid-to-late April. “I hate being injured. If I’m not out there pitching, doing my job, it sucks. I’m going to do everything I can to get back healthy as soon as possible.”
So far, he seems to be on track. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns reaffirmed that the team’s initial return timeline remains unchanged.
Mendoza added that Manaea will gradually increase his throwing distance to rebuild arm strength.
“We have to build him back up as a starter,” Mendoza explained. “The good thing is he’s feeling great—no issues with the oblique. Now, it’s just progressing from 75 feet to 90 to 120 before he gets back on the mound.”
Manaea’s Standout 2024 Season
Manaea had a career-best season in 2024, his first year with the Mets. After signing a two-year, $28 million contract with an opt-out clause, he posted a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA, throwing a personal-best 181.2 innings and striking out 184 batters.
“Definitely the best season of my career,” Manaea reflected after his final start in Game 6 of the NLCS. “I was super proud of all the work I put in with everyone here, on and off the field.”
Opting out proved to be a smart decision, as the Mets quickly re-signed the 33-year-old lefty to a three-year, $75 million contract.
“Sean was a crucial part of our success last season,” Stearns stated. “He led the rotation on the field and set the tone in the clubhouse with his character, attitude, and composure. I look forward to watching him thrive in the coming years.”
Uncertainty Around Frankie Montas
While Manaea appears on pace to return by the end of April, the Mets have yet to provide an update on fellow starter Frankie Montas. After signing a two-year, $34 million deal in December, Montas suffered a high-grade lat strain early in spring training and was shut down from throwing for 6-8 weeks. His status remains uncertain.
