Mets' Sean Manaea Prioritizes Health Over Velocity Concerns

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Sean Manaea, a veteran southpaw pitcher for the New York Mets, is still waiting for his first opportunity to get into a game this season out of the bullpen. Despite an inconsistent spring training showing that resulted in him losing a spot in the Mets' five-man rotation, Manaea remains adamant that his lagging velocity will return as he focuses on his overall health and readiness.

Why it matters

Manaea's velocity drop is a concern, but the Mets are taking a cautious approach to ensure he is fully healthy and prepared before activating him. The team's pitching depth will be tested early in the season as they manage Manaea's recovery.

The details

Manaea's spring training performance saw his velocity dip from the 90-92 mph range down to the mid-to-high 80s, raising questions about his readiness for the season. However, the veteran pitcher is prioritizing his overall health and fitness over immediate velocity gains, confident that his arm strength will return as he continues his recovery and preparation.

• Manaea lost out on a spot in the Mets' five-man rotation out of spring training.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Manaea will continue his recovery and preparation, with the Mets monitoring his progress closely. The team has not yet announced a timeline for his first appearance of the 2026 season.