The New York Mets‘ pitching rotation is navigating choppy waters as spring training unfolds. Initially aiming for a six-man rotation to keep arms fresh, the team now grapples with unexpected injuries that have thrown a wrench into those plans.
Injury Bug Bites Hard
First, right-hander Frankie Montas was sidelined with a high-grade lat strain, a setback expected to keep him off the mound until at least mid-May. Shortly after, lefty Sean Manaea, last season’s ace, suffered a right oblique strain, delaying his season debut to mid or late April. These injuries have forced manager Carlos Mendoza to pivot from the six-man rotation strategy to a more traditional five-man setup, at least for the season’s opening weeks.