New York Mets Top Pitcher Likely to Start Season on Injured List with Oblique Issue

Sean Manaea, who re-signed with the New York Mets this offseason, is now battling an oblique injury which could keep him out of the rotation on Opening Day.

New York Mets starting pitcher Sean Manaea (59) plays catch during a spring training workout at Clover Park on Feb. 15. / Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The New York Mets were dealt a tough hand on Monday morning, as manager Carlos Mendoza announced that starting pitcher Sean Manaea has an oblique strain.

As a result, he's likely to miss the start of the regular season. Mike Puma of the New York Post reports that he'll be shut down for "a couple of weeks."

Sean Manaea has an oblique injury - he is shut down for “a couple of weeks.” He will likely start the season on the IL.

— Mike Puma (@NYPost_Mets) February 24, 2025

The Mets, who got to the NLCS last season, have World Series goals after signing Juan Soto this offseason, so being out their top pitcher is certainly a tough blow. Manaea re-upped with the Mets on a three-year deal this offseason. The deal is worth $75 million.

The 33-year-old Manaea spent the first six years of his career with the A's in Oakland before bouncing to the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and Mets. He went 50-41 for the A's with a 3.86 ERA, even throwing a non-hitter with the franchise.

He's coming off a year in which he went 12-6 for New York, pitching to a 3.47 ERA but he was exceptional from July-on.

Frankie Montas, who the Mets signed this offseason, is also dealing with an injury and is set to start the year on the injured list.

Veteran Jose Quintana, who pitched for the Mets last season, is still a free agent and would make sense for New York, but the team has shown no inclination of wanting to sign him thus far.

Perhaps this injury will change their minds. New York will continue Grapefruit League play for the next five weeks before opening the season on March 27.

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