The Mets face challenges heading into a 13-game stretch without off days, further complicated by injuries to key pitchers Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and Paul Blackburn. Blackburn, who was poised to step into the rotation, is sidelined with a sore knee, while Manaea and Montas are expected to be out for the foreseeable future. This situation places increased pressure on the Mets' bullpen, which has performed admirably thus far with a 1.70 ERA but now must sustain that level of excellence during a demanding schedule.

Mets' manager Carlos Mendoza is counting on starters like Griffin Canning, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga to pitch deeper into games, a necessity as they battle through back-to-back series against the Athletics and other competitive teams. The trio isn't known for long outings, raising questions about how to maintain pitching efficiency, especially with the hitter-friendly environment of Sutter Health Park. The potential for early deficits could put the Mets' bullpen in a tough spot moving forward.

The New York Mets celebrated their home opener at Citi Field, showcasing a united front despite injuries impacting their roster. Key players like Francisco Alvarez, Jeff McNeil, and Paul Blackburn were present, with Alvarez showing progress post-surgery as he caught a bullpen session. Meanwhile, McNeil works his way back from an oblique strain and has been hitting, though his replacements, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuña, have struggled at the plate. Blackburn aims for activation soon, while pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas continue their recovery.

As we look forward to the 2025 fantasy baseball season, it's crucial to identify pitchers to avoid during drafts. Five names stand out: Jesus Luzardo, Frankie Montas, Brady Singer, Triston McKenzie, and Kyle Hendricks. Each has shown inconsistent performance and concerning trends that suggest they may not meet the expectations of fantasy owners.

Jesus Luzardo, now with the Philadelphia Phillies, had a tough 2024, managing just a 5.00 ERA. His drop in strikeout rate raises red flags, making him a risky pick. Frankie Montas, currently with the New York Mets, is facing injury setbacks and has struggled with inconsistency, casting doubt on his reliability. Brady Singer's move to Cincinnati's hitter-friendly park could exacerbate his issues. In Cleveland, Triston McKenzie has not returned to form after injuries, and veteran Kyle Hendricks from the Los Angeles Angels has shown significant decline, making them all potential pitfalls in your drafts.

The New York Mets face a challenge as both Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea will start the season on the injured list, but they are optimistic about their starting pitching depth. Currently, their rotation features Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Clay Holmes, Paul Blackburn, and Griffin Canning, with Tylor Megill in contention for the sixth spot. Notably, Brandon Waddell, returning from a stint in the Korean Baseball Organization, is making his Grapefruit League debut against the Houston Astros.

Waddell's transition involves adapting to the North American game, which presents unique challenges compared to what he experienced in Asia, where the strike zone and ball dynamics differ greatly. In his debut, Waddell allowed two unearned runs, but his ability to throw strikes remains a positive aspect. The Mets plan to assess their pitchers over the next month, as injuries could prompt a need to look for additional depth.

The New York Mets face significant health challenges in their starting rotation as Opening Day approaches, with Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea both set to miss the season opener due to injuries. Montas is sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks with a high-grade lat strain, while Manaea's status is uncertain due to a right oblique injury. This leaves the Mets relying heavily on Kodai Senga, who is attempting to recover from an injury-plagued 2024 season.

Manager Carlos Mendoza announced plans to keep Senga in a controlled environment during spring training, limiting his participation in Grapefruit League games initially. Senga, who made just one start last season, is expected to regain form and lead a rotation that could also include Clay Holmes and David Peterson. Holmes, after years as a reliever, is transitioning back to a starting role, while Peterson's performance last season has raised questions about his consistency. The Mets aim to implement a six-man rotation to manage their pitchers effectively as they navigate these early-season challenges.