The promise of a new season can feel like a blank canvas. And for the New York Mets, this offseason was supposed to be the chance to paint a masterpiece on that canvas. With impressive signings, the team looked poised to make a serious push for contention, with a revamped pitching staff, built to carry them through the grind of the long season. But in the blink of an eye, the Mets’ aspirations were questioned as their rotation faced unexpected hurdles.

Sean Manaea, who signed to a three-year $75 million deal with the Mets, is now facing a setback—a strained right oblique. The injury has forced him into a shutdown period that might see him in the IL. The Mets, however, are opting for a more conservative approach. Rather than opting for injections, which are usually used in these injuries, they are hoping that time off the field will be enough to heal. “We are gonna treat it usually; these types of injuries heal quickly, it’s a straight muscle, so hopefully, that’s the case,” said manager Carlos Mendoza.

While it’s a relief that the injury isn’t as severe as it could be, the decision to forgo injections carries its own risks—primarily that it may take longer for Manaea to recover and be ready for the season opener. With less than 3 weeks left for the opening day, Manaea’s absence will leave the Mets without one of their expected starters. The team’s rotation now looks a bit uncertain, and the pressure will be on the remaining arms.

The team will have to adjust their expectations for Manaea’s timeline and potentially shuffle their rotation plans. Knowing that the clock is ticking and the season opener looms large. As spring training marches on, the Mets’ pitching staff is becoming a question mark rather than the strength it was anticipated to be.

The Mets’ rotation faces double trouble!

As if Sean Manaea’s injury wasn’t enough of a blow, the New York Mets are now facing an even greater challenge. The news of Frankie Montas, another offseason signing, is sidelined for an extended period.

The Mets’ offseason was all about bold moves, but now they’re facing their first major setback. Frankie Montas, their $34 million right-hander, is dealing with a high-grade lat strain that will sideline him for at least six to eight weeks. Translation? He won’t be back in the rotation until May—bad news for a team counting on him to make an impact.

Montas was expected to play a pivotal role in the Mets’ starting rotation. The 30-year-old pitcher’s fastball and experience were seen as valuable additions to the pitching staff, especially after his successful 2022 campaign with the Oakland Athletics. The timing of the injuries couldn’t be worse for the Mets, who now find themselves without two of their expected starting pitchers.

Now with Montas and Manaea injured, the Mets are turning to other options. Kodai Senga, David Peterson, and potentially former closer Clay Holmes to step into more prominent roles. The team would be pinning their hopes on their shoulders until the starting duo returns. The pressure is on, but the potential for growth and opportunity remains as they aim to stay competitive in the tough NL East.