Mets Announce Five-Man Rotation for Season Opener with Sean Manaea
The New York Mets have officially unveiled a five-man starting rotation to begin their regular season on March 30, excluding veteran left-hander Sean Manaea from the opening day lineup against Pittsburgh Pirates due to spring training struggles and manager Carlos Mendoza's decision.
Key Points
-
1The New York Mets have officially revealed a five-man starting rotation for their April opening day matchup.
-
2Veteran left-hander Sean Manaea has been moved from his traditional spot to the bullpen in a piggyback role due to spring training issues, despite being healthy and having signed an $75 million deal last year. Freddy Peralta is confirmed as Opening Day starter against Pittsburgh on March 26.
-
3Manager Carlos Mendoza clarified that while there were only two guaranteed starters heading into Grape League action (Freddy Peralta), the final five-man lineup was determined after a rocky spring training period.
Developments
The New York Mets have officially announced their 2026 regular-season rotation, confirming Freddy Peralta as Game One starter against Pittsburgh and revealing David Peterson will start on February 31. Additionally, Sean Manaea has been added to the roster with plans for a six-man lineup strategy that utilizes five starters while rotating in him based on rest days early in April.
Despite having healthy pitchers including Sean Manea, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed on Saturday that the team will not open its season with six starters. Consequently, Manaea is being moved to serve primarily out of the bullpen for two games while Freddy Peralta and others fill his starting spot through Opening Day against Pittsburgh.