The New York Mets are gearing up for the second half of their season with adjustments to their pitching lineup, hoping to improve upon their 7-5 record leading up to the All-Star break. The team announced its starters for the upcoming three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds, featuring Sean Manaea on Friday, followed by Clay Holmes and David Peterson. Notably, Peterson has recently been named an NL All-Star, which adds depth to the rotation as the Mets look to capitalize on their successful first half.
Currently, the Mets boast the fourth-best rotation ERA in the league at 3.38, though they have struggled with consistency since June 1, resulting in an average ERA of 4.17. Injuries have plagued key pitchers, with Manaea and Frankie Montas recently returning to action after stints on the injured list. An AL scout noted that if Manaea, Senga, and Montas can stay healthy, the Mets could showcase a much stronger rotation moving forward.
In addition to the starting rotation, the Mets may find reinforcements from their minor leagues. Brandon Sproat has been impressing at Triple-A Syracuse, with three consecutive scoreless starts, while Nolan McLean has shown promise with a notable strikeout rate in his recent outings. Furthermore, the Mets are keeping an eye on Matt Allan, who has faced setbacks due to injuries but has resumed throwing as he recovers.
As for position players, Ronny Mauricio stands out as a young talent who has excelled in his last 14 games, showcasing his potential after recovering from knee surgery. Meanwhile, Francisco Alvarez is anticipated to return soon from Triple-A, adding further hope to the lineup.
The Mets are demonstrating resilience and are optimistic that their adjustments and emerging talent will help drive a successful second half of the season. Fans will be watching closely as the team looks to build on its recent performances and make a push in the competitive league landscape.