Dave Racaniello is entering his 25th year as New York’s bullpen catcher thanks to a chance meeting with Bobby Valentine.

Sean Manaea has been shut down from throwing for at least “a couple of weeks,” according to manager Carlos Mendoza, with a right oblique strain. Manaea felt discomfort in the oblique early in camp, but continued throwing. After the discomfort continued, Manaea alerted team officials and was sent for an MRI exam that found the strain.

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke about the tough start Paul Blackburn had during Sunday's spring training game.

The former Mets ace has been receiving a taste of that satisfaction this weekend at Clover Park, where he is serving as a guest instructor for the team.

Obligue injury to sideline the lefty starter for a few weeks and likely land him on the IL to start the season

New York Mets' Juan Soto, left, is congratulated by teammate Francisco Alvarez (4) after hitting a solo home run during the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Houston Astros Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson) AP It’s been a week since the Mets played their Grapefruit League opener.

But I did make some changes Monday in reaction to some of the spring news we talked about in yesterday's newsletter as well as one big piece of new injury news that came out after yesterday's newsletter.

New York Mets starter Sean Manaea is expected to begin the season on the injured list because of a right oblique strain.

Frankie Montas and left-hander Sean Manaea are both set to start the season on the injured list, but the Mets believe they’re in a good spot.

Santana was in Mets camp over the weekend as a guest instructor at the invitation of manager Carlos Mendoza, who knows the former Mets and Twins pitcher from Venezuelan baseball circles. Mendoza recently learned via the team’s social-media accounts that Santana was Manaea’s favorite back in the day, and he made the introduction happen.

Across Clay Holmes’ first two Spring Training stars with the New York Mets, he’s looked dazzling. In his first appearance, he recorded three perfect innings. He

The Mets are just a week into spring training and are already down two starting pitchers when Opening Day arrives at the end of March. Frankie Montas will miss