Sean Manaea’s Performance Raises Questions
JUPITER, Fla. — Sean Manaea delivered four no-hit innings against the Marlins on Tuesday, showcasing some solid pitching.
However, what really stood out to many was that his four-seam fastball was clocked at 86-88 mph, which is about 3 mph slower than last year.
“I’m not feeling well, but I’m feeling good,” Manaea mentioned after the game ended in a 5-5 tie at Roger Dean Stadium. “I’m not worried at all. I’ll head to Citi Field and get some adrenaline going again.”
That might be the case, but it’s uncertain for the 34-year-old, who faced a tough, injury-laden 2025 season.
Even if his fastball doesn’t hit the 90s, Manaea expressed confidence in his ability to strike out hitters.
“I pitched 86-87 mph,” he said. “I don’t want to dwell on that, but I still find it effective. My goal is to fill the strike zone and keep batters guessing.”
He also mentioned that developing his cutters might offset any decrease in speed.
As the regular season approaches, an increase in velocity would certainly be beneficial. Yet, manager Carlos Mendoza is unsure if that will happen.
“We don’t know. I think it’s possible, especially considering what he’s been through physically last year. It may take time,” he noted.
Mendoza expressed satisfaction with Manaea’s ability to strike out batters even without relying on his trademark fastball, appreciating how effective the cutter has been.
Both he and Manaea hope to see velocity readings in the low 90s soon.
“I believe that could happen. I think Bello will improve,” Mendoza said.
In other news, Carson Benge secured a spot out of spring training due to his impressive performance, while MJ Melendez is being sent to minor league camp.
Melendez, who joined the Mets on a minor league deal this offseason, began camp strongly. However, his chances of making the opening day roster may diminish as he is set to play for Team Puerto Rico in the WBC, limiting his playing time.
Mendoza commented on Melendez needing more at-bats after he was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse, along with right-hander Christian Scott.
“He has to step up to the plate,” said Mendoza regarding Melendez, who managed four hits and two home runs in 11 at-bats with the Mets, but only had six at-bats in the WBC before Puerto Rico was eliminated.
During the game against the Marlins, Tyron Taylor started in left field, Luis Robert Jr. in center, and Brett Batty in right.
Benji and Mike Tauchman, another left-handed hitter, have both made notable impressions this spring.
Scott has emerged as a promising option after a solid spring, making a comeback from Tommy John surgery in 2024.
“He’s in a good place now. He put in the hard work during rehab, especially after getting a taste of the majors in 2024,” Mendoza shared.
Scott will help bolster the Mets’ rotation, which has six strong starting pitchers, as they are just a little over a week away from the season opener.
In a few other roster updates from Tuesday, right-handers Adberto Alzolay, Nick Vardy, and Daniel Duarte, along with infielders Christian Arroyo and Jose Rojas, were reassigned to minor league camp.
