Mets: Bitten by the Injury Bug

We're not even a full week into the Grapefruit League schedule and already the Mets are down three players expected to contribute.

Sean Manaea (above), who went 12-6 as the club's defacto ace last summer -- and earned a three-year $75 million extension — will miss opening day with a right oblique strain.  That further thins a rotation also saw Frankie Montas shelved with a lat strain - which  the former Yankee, Red and Atheltic confirmed will sidelined him through Mid-April.

(Below:)  Former Cubs infielder Nick Madrigal, who joined the Mets over the winter as the likely successor to Jose Iglesias, will be out for months -- if not all of 2025 -- after fracturing his left shoulder in Sunday's exhibition against Washington.  Fortunately, if there's one area the Mets have an abundance, its in the infield.  Top prospects Luisangel Acuña, Ronny Maurico, Jett Williams or Brett Baty could step into the void.  And Jose Iglesias, who became a fan favorite hitting over .300 and crafting the club's "OMG" fight song, is just phone call away.

Both photos were taken last summer.  Minaea was on the mound in London when the Mets played the Phillies June 8th, while Madrigal was in Cubs threads for a May 2nd game against the Mets at Citi Field.

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