Sean Manaea walked to the mound under the bright lights at Citi Field, carrying more than just his glove. After weeks out with a nagging oblique strain and elbow issue, every pitch felt like a test. Would his arm hold up? Could he give the New York Mets what they desperately need: a reliable start?
With the bullpen shaky and the trade deadline looming, every Manaea inning feels huge. Mets fans have one big question: Can Manaea save this staff, or is the pressure about to crack them all?
How Will Sean Manaea’s Return Shape the Mets’ Pitching Staff?
Sean Manaea, sidelined for much of the 2025 campaign with an ongoing oblique strain and elbow issue, made his first start back from the injured list Thursday night at Citi Field.
He worked four innings, giving up just one run. That set a positive tone for a staff craving longer outings from its rotation. Even so, manager Carlos Mendoza kept Manaea’s pitch count controlled.
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza explained Friday that the team is bringing their starter along carefully after only four innings in his first game back. Mendoza’s goal is clear: guide Manaea to form without burning out his recovering arm.
“It’s like pitchers coming out of spring training. It’s that buildup, you’re not going from 60 to 85 (pitches) right away,” Mendoza said after the game, according to SNY. “Especially for a guy that’s been through a lot, not only with the oblique, with the elbow issues and his setback.
“That’s where we’re at right now”
The Mets are continuing to ease Sean Manaea back with a planned pitch count https://t.co/u9oSWzJy8B pic.twitter.com/wPpvdpPe0V
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
That’s where we’re at right now. Hopefully next time out, we can increase his pitch count a little bit more, but that was the plan today.”
Why Are the Mets Still Worrying About Depth in the Rotation?
While Manaea’s start offered hope, the bigger picture still has cracks. Miley’s return underscored just how close the Mets’ rotation and bullpen are to breaking down.
Kodai Senga, Frankie Montas, and Manaea himself have all dealt with pitch‑limit restrictions during rehab work. Mendoza didn’t sugarcoat it: “We’re gonna need length out of our starters. We feel comfortable with the guys back there [in the bullpen],” per the New York Post.
That confidence was tested. The risk from rookie arms is real. When the bullpen crumbled in the fifth inning, rookie Alex Carrillo gave up five runs in just over an inning, flipping a 2–1 lead into an 8–4 hole.
After the game, Mendoza was direct: “He just didn’t have it.” The loss to Cincinnati showed just how fragile this setup is. If the starters don’t last deeper into games, the bullpen will keep feeling the strain.
Even after a rough night, Mendoza is sticking to his plan. He’s not panicking or forcing Manaea to go longer than he’s ready for. The Mets want him to ease back; he’s been capped at around 70 pitches for three straight outings, counting rehab work, and now in the big leagues. He hasn’t been pushed past that number yet.
It’s a cautious approach, built to protect Manaea’s health and keep him effective. Push him too fast, and the injuries that sidelined him could come roaring back, washing away any progress from his return.
What Does the Trade Deadline Mean for the New York Mets’ Pitching Plans?
Mets fans and the front office are watching every start, and every bullpen hiccup, with the July 31 trade deadline coming up fast. New York’s uncertain rotation could force a move for another arm, especially if the bullpen keeps wilting late. Right now, the Mets are only a half‑game behind Philadelphia in the NL East.
This is the stretch where every decision, and every inning, could shake up the season.