Recent injuries put Mets' pitching depth to the test

There is an axiom around baseball that one can never have too much pitching. The New York Mets are putting their depth to the test early in spring training.

Pitcher Frankie Montas felt discomfort after his first bullpen session upon arriving at spring training. He was diagnosed with a strained lat muscle and shut down for six to eight weeks.

The Mets received a double dose of bad news on Monday. Infielder Nick Madrigal suffered a dislocated and fractured left shoulder, which will cause him to miss a significant amount of time. Pitcher Sean Manaea had been feeling soreness during bullpen and throwing sessions. An MRI revealed a strained right oblique which is expected to sideline Manaea until mid to late April.

The Mets had opted for a different path in building their rotation. Instead of swinging for the fences and targeting the bigger names in free agency, they focused on adding depth. However, that strategy had a degree of risk — staff ace Kodai Senga made just one regular season appearance in 2024 due to various injuries. Montas missed the end of 2022 and most of 2023 with various injuries. 

That depth is being tested. Will Sammon of The Athletic reported that the Mets were not planning to add to the rotation in the wake of Montas' injury Manaea's injury now puts more pressure on pitchers Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn is also making his way back from injury as he underwent spinal surgery in October.

The Mets have other options. Pitching prospects Brandon Sproat — MLB.com's 46th best prospect — and Blade Tidwell are knocking on the door. Both pitchers could debut this season, especially if injuries continue to hit the Mets' rotation.

Coming off an unexpected run to the postseason, the Mets have designs on contending in 2025. If that is to happen, the Mets' pitching depth will need to come through.