There was excellent news tucked within the Mets’ ugly post-All-Star break opener.
The ultimate rating at Citi Area — Reds 8, Mets 4 — wasn’t a part of it, because of questionable bullpen utilization by supervisor Carlos Mendoza and even worse efficiency from the low-leverage arms, Alex Carrillo and Brandon Waddell, he known as upon.
However early on, there was rather a lot to love for the Mets from Sean Manaea.
Just like his return Sunday in opposition to the Royals, he regarded just like the Manaea of final 12 months.
Over 4 innings, he was largely dominant, permitting simply an Austin Hays opposite-field homer within the fourth.
He struck out six, walked two and threw 69 pitches in his first begin of the season.
Most significantly, Manaea feels wholesome.
“Arm feels good. Body feels good,” mentioned the southpaw, who had missed the season’s first 96 video games attributable to indirect and elbow accidents. “That’s all you can ask for.”
The plan getting into the competition was to restrict him to round 70 pitches after he threw 65 in reduction Sunday.
Consequently, the lone situation in his outing was that Manaea wasn’t as pitch-efficient as he would’ve favored.
“Yes, and I definitely didn’t do that today, which is the most frustrating part about today,” Manaea mentioned. “I threw some good sliders, but there were some not really competitive ones as well.”
In any other case, it’s arduous to complain about his efficiency.
Manaea mentioned he may’ve gone deeper into the sport, however the Mets have a plan they usually’re sticking to it.
Manaea is just too necessary to lose once more.
In order that they’re enjoying it secure for now, bringing him alongside slowly.
Mendoza in contrast it to a pitcher in spring coaching.
“I want to be out there as long as possible, but I kind of understand the situation that we’re in,” Manaea mentioned. “So I [don’t want to go] too crazy. Just do what I can with the pitches allotted.”
