Why the Sean Manaea injury isn't enough for NY Mets fans to hit the panic button

The New York Mets’ 2025 season hasn’t even begun and uncertainty is in the air. News broke that left-hander Sean Manaea has been placed on the injured list with an oblique strain, but the good news is Manaea will only be out a few weeks and is expected back in April, as reported by Will Sammon of the Athletic. While this may seem like a setback for the Mets' 2025 season, there's no reason to worry—David Stearns is at the forefront. He has strategically built the roster with ample MLB-ready arms to handle situations like this.

Paul Blackburn: A Rotation Spot in Sight?

One of the key figures who could step up in Manaea’s absence is right-hander Paul Blackburn. The Mets acquired Blackburn from the Athletics last year, but he’s been recovering from spinal surgery after only 5 games with the Mets in 2024. The good news? He started throwing to batters on February 18, marking a significant step in his recovery process.

With both Manaea and Frankie Montas set to miss Opening Day, Blackburn has a golden opportunity to crack the rotation—if he proves he’s healthy and performs well in spring training. The 31-year-old has always been known for his command and ability to limit hard contact, traits that could make him a reliable presence in the Mets’ rotation. If he’s ready by Opening Day, he could be a key stabilizer. If not, Stearns and company have other in house options.

Griffin Canning: An Unexpected Acquisition with Hidden Upside

Another name in the mix is Griffin Canning, who joined the Mets this offseason on a one-year prove-it deal. The transaction caught Mets fans off guard, when Canning was signed the Free Agency market still had higher caliber rotation options available. However, there may be more than meets the eye when it comes to this acquisition.

Canning, 28, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency and injuries throughout his career. Coming off a career high 171.2 innings last year, the Mets view Canning as a pitcher good for 150+ innings and with the Mets’ state-of-the-art pitching lab could help unlock his full potential. If he benefits from the same analytical improvements that transformed other pitchers around the league, Canning might turn out to be a valuable asset rather than just a depth piece.

Tylor Megill: Old Reliable

Then there’s a name that Mets fans already know well—Tylor Megill. While he may not bring the flashiness of an ace, Megill has proven he can handle a starting role when called upon. With 41 starts and 204 1/3 innings over the past two seasons, he offers the kind of durability and reliability the Mets desperately need right now.

Megill found success late in the 2024 season, finishing September with 2.45 ERA in 25.2 innings. If he can build off that momentum, he might cement himself as more than just a temporary fill-in. With a rotation that’s already dealing with injuries, having a dependable innings-eater like Megill could be the difference between staying afloat or struggling out of the gate.

Stearns Has It Covered

Yes, losing Manaea to start the season is a tough blow, but under David Stearns’ leadership, the Mets remain unfazed. If last year’s NLCS run taught us anything, it’s to trust Stearns’ ability to steer the ship. Despite Kodai Senga pitching just one game last regular season, the Mets still exceeded expectations. This is not to downplay Manaea’s importance but rather to highlight a familiar sense of optimism based on last year’s resilience.

With Blackburn working his way back, Canning eager to prove himself, and Megill ready to provide stability, the Mets have the depth needed to navigate this early challenge.