Trending Now - Mets Shift Manaea to Bullpen Amidst Rotation Changes
WHO:
Sean Manaea, left-hander for the New York Mets, expressed frustration about his role change, stating, “I consider myself a starter... To not be that is frustrating.”
Manager Carlos Mendoza noted, “He’s going to start for us” at some point in the season.
Sean Manaea, left-hander for the New York Mets
Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets
Freddy Peralta, Opening Day starter for the Mets
David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, Kodai Senga, other starters in the Mets' rotation
Mike Tauchman, outfielder for the Mets
Carson Benge, Vidal Bruján, competing for roster spots with the Mets
WHAT:
The Mets plan to expand to a six-man rotation in mid-April 2026, creating space for Manaea if he performs well.
Manaea averaged 88.6 mph on his fastball during spring training, down 4.5 mph from his last healthy spring in 2024 and nearly three ticks from 2025.
Tauchman has a recent history of lower-body injuries, including a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery in September 2025.
Sean Manaea will begin the 2026 season in the Mets' bullpen.
Manaea will serve in a piggyback role, relieving a starter to log multiple innings.
The Mets' Opening Day rotation is Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga.
Manaea signed a three-year, $75 million contract before the 2025 season.
Manaea had a 5.64 ERA over 15 games (12 starts) in the 2025 season.
Manaea produced a 3.02 ERA over his final 18 starts in 2024.
Mike Tauchman underwent an MRI exam due to left knee discomfort.
Tauchman has one home run, three doubles, four walks, and an .819 OPS in 13 spring games.
WHERE:
Port St. Lucie, Florida, where the Mets' Spring Training is taking place.
Clover Park, the location of the Mets' spring game against the Astros.
WHEN:
The MRI exam for Mike Tauchman was conducted on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
The announcement regarding Manaea's role was made on Saturday, March 21st, 2026.
The Mets' Opening Day is scheduled for March 30th, 2026.
The Mets will not need a sixth starter until April 12th, 2026.
WHY:
Mendoza stated, “Six guys throwing the ball pretty well,” explaining the decision to place Manaea in the bullpen.
The decision to place Manaea in the bullpen was due to the Mets' rotation depth and health.
Manager Carlos Mendoza stated that the team was upfront about making tough decisions if all pitchers were healthy.
HOW:
The Mets will use their five starters on regular rest for the first two turns of the season, taking advantage of off-days.
The Mets plan to use their five starters on regular rest for the first two turns of the season, taking advantage of off-days.
Manaea's fastball velocity has declined from 93.8 mph in 2023 to 88.6 mph in 2026.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:38 UTC)
In a recent statement, Sean Manaea, the left-hander for the New York Mets, expressed his frustration over being moved to the bullpen, emphasizing that he sees himself as a starter. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed that Manaea will eventually start for the team as they plan to expand to a six-man rotation in mid-April, provided he performs well. Meanwhile, Mike Tauchman underwent an MRI on Saturday due to ongoing lower-body issues, including a previous knee surgery, which has raised concerns about his readiness for the season.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 21:02 UTC)
In a significant update from Port St. Lucie, Florida, the New York Mets have announced that Sean Manaea will begin the 2026 season in the bullpen, serving in a piggyback role to support the starting rotation, which includes Freddy Peralta, David Peterson, Nolan McLean, Clay Holmes, and Kodai Senga. Manager Carlos Mendoza explained that this decision was made due to the team's depth and health among the pitchers, as the Mets will not need a sixth starter until April 12. Meanwhile, outfielder Mike Tauchman is undergoing evaluation for left knee discomfort after posting impressive stats this spring, including one home run and an .819 OPS in 13 games.