The New York Mets took a hit to their starting rotation plans on Monday when it was revealed that left-hander Sean Manaea has been diagnosed with a strained right oblique. These injuries can be difficult to predict, often acting like an unpredictable storm that clears quickly for some but lingers stubbornly for others. While Manaea is considered week to week, the general expectation is that he will not be ready in time for Opening Day.
A key piece for the Mets will have a delayed start to the season
When the Mets handed Manaea a $75 million contract, they did so with the vision of him being a stabilizing force in their rotation.