Trending Now - Mets Announce Roster Updates: Tauchman Needs Surgery, Kimbrel Cut
WHO:
Mike Tauchman, outfielder for the New York Mets
Carlos Mendoza, manager of the New York Mets
Sean Manaea, pitcher for the New York Mets
Carson Benge, Mets prospect
Vidal Bruján, Mets player
Anthony DiComo, senior reporter for MLB.com
WHAT:
Mike Tauchman has a torn meniscus in his left knee and will require surgery, ending his chances of making the Mets' Opening Day roster.
Tauchman underwent an MRI exam on March 21st, 2026, which revealed the tear.
Tauchman has now had two knee surgeries in six months, having previously torn the meniscus in his right knee in September 2025.
Craig Kimbrel will not make the Mets' Opening Day roster after allowing three runs in six innings during spring training, with five walks and two hit batsmen.
Kimbrel's fastball velocity averaged around 93 mph during Grapefruit League play.
The Mets are considering releasing Kimbrel from the Minor League deal he signed this winter if he decides not to remain in the organization.
The Mets' seven bullpen locks include Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, Luis García, Tobias Myers, Huascar Brazobán, and Sean Manaea.
Mike Tauchman underwent an MRI exam on March 21st, 2026, due to left knee discomfort.
Tauchman has a history of lower-body injuries, including a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery in September 2025.
Tauchman has one home run, three doubles, four walks, and an .819 OPS in 13 spring games.
Sean Manaea will begin the 2026 season in the bullpen instead of as a starter.
The Mets plan to expand to a six-man rotation by April 12th, 2026.
Manaea has a contract worth $50 million remaining for two years.
WHERE:
Clover Park, Port St. Lucie, Florida, where Tauchman experienced discomfort during a game against the Houston Astros.
WHEN:
Tauchman experienced discomfort on March 21st, 2026, during a spring training game.
The Mets signed Tauchman on February 19th, 2026.
The Mets' Opening Day is on March 30th, 2026.
WHY:
The Mets are evaluating Tauchman's injury as it could impact roster decisions before Opening Day.
Manaea's role change is due to the depth of the Mets' rotation and the need to manage pitching effectively in the early season.
HOW:
Manager Carlos Mendoza stated, "We've just got to wait and see what we're dealing with and go from there," regarding Tauchman's injury.
Tauchman was pulled from the game after attempting to take the field but could not continue.
The Mets are using off-days to manage their starting pitchers' schedules, allowing them to use five starters regularly before needing a sixth.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 23:19 UTC)
In a tough blow for the Mets, Mike Tauchman has been diagnosed with a torn meniscus in his left knee, requiring surgery and sidelining him from the Opening Day roster. Tauchman, who previously underwent knee surgery for a right meniscus tear just six months ago, had the injury confirmed after an MRI on March 21. Meanwhile, Craig Kimbrel will also miss the Opening Day roster after struggling in spring training, and the Mets are considering releasing him from his Minor League deal if he opts not to stay with the organization.
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(UPDATED March 22, 2026 17:17 UTC)
In a concerning development for the New York Mets, outfielder Mike Tauchman underwent an MRI on March 21 due to discomfort in his left knee, raising questions about his status ahead of Opening Day on March 30. Tauchman, who has a history of lower-body injuries, was pulled from a spring training game against the Houston Astros after attempting to take the field but was unable to continue. Meanwhile, pitcher Sean Manaea will start the season in the bullpen as the Mets plan to expand to a six-man rotation by April 12, a decision influenced by the depth of their pitching staff.