NEW YORK — Mets pitcher Sean Manaea experienced elbow discomfort following his recent minor league rehabilitation appearance, resulting in a postponement of his comeback to New York’s already injury-riddled rotation.
An MRI conducted on Monday revealed the presence of a bone chip in Manaea’s left elbow. Subsequently, he received a cortisone injection and is taking a break from throwing for a period of two to three days.
“The medical team assures me he should be alright for the rest of the year. However, we’ll see how things develop,” mentioned manager Carlos Mendoza on Tuesday.
Manaea, who was the ace for New York last season, has been absent since spring training due to a right oblique strain. With a gradual recovery process, he displayed a strong performance last Friday at Triple-A Syracuse, retiring 15 consecutive batters. His return from a 60-day injured list was anticipated for early July after another rehabilitation start this week.
However, Manaea’s rehab assignment has been halted and he will not pitch in the minors for at least another week.
“Given the recent developments, we need to approach his return one step at a time,” Mendoza said.
The struggling Mets were counting on Manaea to bolster a rotation lacking ace Kodai Senga, who has a right hamstring strain, and Tylor Megill with an elbow sprain. They are currently part of a group of nine Mets pitchers on the injured list.
“I’m really eager to get back on the field, being so close, and having this happen is frustrating,” expressed Manaea. “We are doing everything possible to set things right.”
Manaea, 33, achieved a 12-6 record with a 3.47 ERA across 32 starts and pitched a career-high 181 2/3 innings last season, helping the Mets reach the NL Championship Series. He re-signed with the team for three years, earning $75 million.
“This isn’t the ideal start to my contract. It’s pretty frustrating,” Manaea acknowledged. “I’ve been following all the right steps. The oblique issue is unfortunate, not enjoyable. I want to be out there so much, but I can only focus on what I can control to get back on the field and contribute.”
Manaea revealed that discomfort began late in last Friday’s outing but didn’t hinder his pitching.
“I felt sore post-game, and didn’t recover as expected,” he explained. “Initially thought it was normal soreness, but it worsened the next day.”
Grateful for the MRI results showing nothing serious, he said: “I’m feeling a lot better now. It feels significantly different than the past days.”
Nevertheless, he acknowledges surgery might be needed to remove the bone chip.
“I’ll continue taking one start at a time,” Manaea said. “This is a new experience, hopefully not having to grind through each outing. Hoping things improve.”
Meanwhile, the Mets welcomed back veteran starter Frankie Montas from the 60-day IL and started him against Atlanta in his Mets debut.
Right-handed reliever Chris Devenski was sent to Triple-A following Monday’s 3-2 loss against the Braves, while designated hitter Jesse Winker, recovering from a right oblique strain, was moved to the 60-day injured list.
Winker plans to begin a minor league rehab assignment by the weekend’s end, according to Mendoza. Out since May 4, Winker will need several at-bats before returning.
Third baseman Mark Vientos, dealing with a right hamstring strain, was slated to play a couple more rehab games with Syracuse. His return to the Mets’ lineup depends on how he feels afterward.
Montas, missing the season due to a right lat strain, joined the Mets with a $34 million, two-year free-agent deal signed in December. Although struggling in six minor league rehab performances with a 12.05 ERA, Montas excelled in his first major league game this year. He pitched five scoreless innings, sending five batters packing, including the formidable Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. with 96 mph fastballs.
“He was solid. His delivery was strong, producing groundballs and strikes,” Mendoza evaluated. “If he continues like this, he’s a valuable asset, hence his presence here.”
Montas wrapped up with a 3-0 lead after 80 pitches on a scorching 97-degree night at Citi Field. Unfortunately, the bullpen faltered, conceding five runs, and the Mets fell 7-4.
“Down in the minors, I focused on pitch count, improving my pitches to prepare for my major league opportunity,” Montas remarked.
New York has suffered losses in 10 out of 11 games, trailing first-place Philadelphia by 1 1/2 games in the NL East.
Furthermore, the Mets mentioned that catcher Francisco Alvarez, participating in Syracuse’s game against Rochester, was extracted due to dizziness. Alvarez was reassigned to Triple-A on Sunday.
Home Elbow setback delays Manaea's comeback with Mets