The Mets’ current spring training situation may be a cause for concern, as significant injuries in the last two weeks have impacted the team’s roster.
Frankie Montas Out with Lat Strain
Notably, right-hander Frankie Montas suffered a lat strain last week that will keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. At this time, there is no definitive timetable for his return to the mound, which raises serious concerns regarding the stability of the rotation.
Nick Madrigal is Out with Fractured Shoulder
Furthermore, infielder Nick Madrigal experienced a dislocated shoulder yesterday, and subsequent MRI results revealed a fracture. This injury is expected to sideline him for an extended period, further depleting the team’s depth resources.
The loss of Madrigal, who had been showing promising progress, adds another layer of difficulty as the Mets strive to maintain depth in their pitching staff.
Carlos Mendoza gives an update on injuries, including Nick Madrigal having a fracture in his shoulder that will keep him out for “a long time”
Mendoza also shared Sean Manaea has an oblique muscle strain and will be expected to start the season on the IL. pic.twitter.com/o0OAKufOiY
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 24, 2025
Sean Manaea Expected to Start Season on IL with Muscle Strain
Additionally, LHP Sean Manaea has been shut down with an oblique/lat muscle strain and is expected to begin the season on the injured list. This development compounds the challenges facing the pitching staff and highlights the urgent need for adjustments as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Manaea, who looked unhittable in live BP last week, had been the Mets’ expected No. Two this upcoming season.
Carlos Mendoza on the timeline to return for Sean Manaea after suffering a muscle strain:
“It could take 7, 14, 21 days to heal. Once he’s symptom free he’ll start his throwing again.” pic.twitter.com/3hgw0I2mx0
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 24, 2025
He made waves in 2025 from July through the postseason as a Chris-Sale-level starter after dropping his arm slot and dominating through the playoff push. Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to the media today and stated he had felt a tweak at the start of camp, but it wasn’t a cause for concern at the time; it not “getting better” is likely the cause for an IL stint.
With Manaea on the road to recovery, the Mets may look externally to fill his spot.
Jose Quintana Still Available
The organization may need to explore alternative options to reinforce it’s roster in light of these setbacks. One potential solution is to sign Jose Quintana, the most consistent starter last season. Quintana’s reliability and experience could provide the much-needed stability in the rotation during this critical period.
Having posted a 10-10 record with a 3./47 ERA over 170.1 innings in 31 games last season, Quintana could be the prospective front-end replacement and/or a rotational cushion-man.
Tylor Megill Could Make the Rotation
Moreover, Tylor Megill could be a viable candidate for the sixth starting position. His exceptional performance in September of the 2024 season, particularly in the lead-up to the playoff push, demonstrated his ability to handle high-pressure situations effectively. His recent form suggests that he could be a valuable asset in the starting rotation.
Without Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the Mets figure to open the season with a rotation of:
1. Kodai Senga
2. Clay Holmes
3. David PetersonThe final two spots will be some combination of Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 24, 2025
Jose Iglesias Still Hoping for Reunion with Mets
On the defensive side, bringing back Jose Iglesias as a utility infielder could prove instrumental in addressing the injuries that have impacted the team, especially as Madrigal was intended to slot his prior role. Iglesias’ versatility, experience, and clubhouse culture would provide much-needed depth, allowing the Mets to navigate the challenges posed by the current injury situation.
Last season [with the Mets], Iglesias slashed a .337/.381/.448 and breezed through a 22-game hit streak while continuing to flash his glove as an exceptional defender and utility infielder. He also expressed a desire to return to the Mets and hoped they’d ring his line this offseason.
Mets Looking Ahead Despite Early Challenges
While the injury situation is undoubtedly challenging, strategic roster adjustments could mitigate the impact. The Mets have always worked around the inevitable injury bug, and there are still plenty of strategic moves they’re in the position to make.
This team has threaded depth throughout the organization this offseason, and the potential acquisition of seasoned players and the elevation of promising talent may well be the key to overcoming these early setbacks.
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- Monday, February 24th | 1:05 pm
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- Wednesday, February 26th | 1:05 pm
