Mets' Sean Manaea prioritizing health over velocity concerns in wait for 1st 2026 outing

Veteran southpaw lost out on rotation spot due to dip in fastball velocity during spring training

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Sean Manaea, the veteran Mets pitcher, is still waiting for his first opportunity to get into a game this season, but remains adamant that his lagging velocity will come back. Manaea lost out on a spot in the Mets' rotation after an inconsistent spring training showing, with his fastball velocity dipping into the high 80s. However, Manaea is focused on staying healthy, which he says is the main priority, and believes the velocity will return once he's fully recovered from the oblique and elbow issues that kept him sidelined for much of last season.

Why it matters

Manaea's drop in velocity is normally a cause for concern, but given his injury history, the Mets are taking a cautious approach and allowing him to prioritize his health over raw speed. If Manaea can regain his form from the 2024 season, he could provide a valuable boost to the Mets' bullpen as a left-handed option.

The details

Manaea's four-seam fastball, which normally averages between 91-92 mph, was regularly clocking in the high 80s during spring training. As of Sunday, he told amNewYork that his fastball was hitting 'like 90 to 92' mph, but then got back down to around 88 mph. Manaea is coming off an injury-riddled 2025 campaign in which oblique and elbow issues kept him sidelined until July, and he was not the same pitcher from the 2024 second half and postseason, posting a 5.64 ERA that led to a demotion to the bullpen down the stretch.

  • Manaea last threw competitively on the last day of spring training, which was Monday, March 24, 2026.
  • Manaea completed the usual five days of rest that starting pitchers require.

The players

Sean Manaea

A 34-year-old veteran left-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, who lost out on a spot in the team's starting rotation due to inconsistent velocity during spring training.

Carlos Mendoza

The manager of the New York Mets, who stated that Manaea could get into game action 'any day' as a long-relief option.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I've pitched with lower velocity. Ideally, I don't want to be there, but at the end of the day, I feel healthy. If that's the case, I know the velo will come back up. The only thing I can worry about is staying healthy.”

— Sean Manaea, Mets pitcher

“He's got the rest, so it could happen any time.”

— Carlos Mendoza, Mets manager

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.