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New York Mets announce starter for series opener against Phillies

The article from Sports Illustrated, titled "New York Mets Announce Starter for Series Opener Against Phillies," authored by Logan Ricketts and published on September 12, 2024, provides detailed information about the New York Mets' pitching plans for their upcoming series against the Philadelphia Phillies. This series is a critical one for the Mets, as they are in the midst of a tight race for a National League Wild Card spot, and every game carries significant weight in determining their postseason fate. The article focuses on the announcement of the starting pitcher for the series opener, offering context about the pitcher’s performance, the team’s strategy, and the broader implications for the Mets as they face a formidable opponent in the Phillies.

The Mets have named left-hander Sean Manaea as the starting pitcher for the series opener against the Phillies, which is set to take place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Manaea, a veteran pitcher who has been with the Mets since signing a two-year, $28 million contract in the offseason, has had an up-and-down season but has shown signs of improvement in recent outings. The article highlights Manaea’s 2024 statistics, noting that he has a record of 11-5 with a 3.43 ERA over 29 starts. His ability to eat innings and provide stability to the rotation has been crucial for a Mets team that has dealt with injuries and inconsistency in their pitching staff throughout the year. Manaea’s strikeout numbers are also mentioned, with 158 strikeouts in 154.2 innings pitched, demonstrating his capability to miss bats and keep opposing hitters off balance.

The decision to start Manaea in the opener against the Phillies is seen as a strategic move by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. The article explains that the Phillies boast a powerful lineup, featuring stars like Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Trea Turner, who have historically performed well against left-handed pitching. However, Manaea’s recent form, including a strong outing in his last start where he allowed just one earned run over seven innings, gives the Mets confidence that he can handle the challenge. The piece also notes that Manaea has faced the Phillies twice this season, with mixed results—a fact that adds an element of intrigue to his upcoming start. In those previous encounters, he allowed a combined seven runs over 10.2 innings, indicating that he will need to be at his best to contain Philadelphia’s potent offense.

Beyond the announcement of Manaea as the starter, the article delves into the broader context of the Mets’ season and their standing in the National League playoff race. As of the publication date, the Mets hold a record of 80-66, placing them in a tight battle for one of the Wild Card spots. They are just a game ahead of the Atlanta Braves, who are also vying for postseason positioning. The series against the Phillies, who have already clinched a playoff berth and are leading the NL East, represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the Mets to prove they can compete with the league’s elite teams. A strong performance in this series could provide a significant boost to the team’s confidence heading into the final stretch of the regular season.

The article also touches on the Mets’ overall pitching strategy for the series. While Manaea is confirmed for the opener, the team has yet to announce starters for the subsequent games, though it is speculated that Kodai Senga, who has been recovering from injury, could make a return to the rotation if his rehabilitation progresses as planned. Senga’s potential return is a major storyline for Mets fans, as the Japanese right-hander was a key piece of the rotation before being sidelined. The piece mentions that the Mets are taking a cautious approach with Senga, prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back for this series. In the meantime, the team will rely on Manaea and other starters like Jose Quintana and Tylor Megill to shoulder the load against Philadelphia.

In addition to discussing the pitching matchups, the article provides insight into the Mets’ offensive approach heading into the series. The team has been buoyed by the emergence of young talent like Francisco Alvarez and the consistent production of veterans like Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo. However, facing the Phillies’ pitching staff, which includes aces like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, will test the Mets’ ability to generate runs. The article suggests that the Mets will need to capitalize on any opportunities they get against Philadelphia’s starters, as the Phillies’ bullpen has been one of the strongest in the league this season.

The piece also reflects on the historical rivalry between the Mets and Phillies, noting that games between these two teams often carry extra intensity due to their proximity and shared fan bases in the Northeast. The Mets have had mixed success against the Phillies this season, splitting their earlier matchups, and this series is seen as a chance to gain ground in the head-to-head record. With postseason implications on the line, the article emphasizes that every pitch, every at-bat, and every defensive play will be magnified in importance.

Furthermore, the article addresses the mental and emotional stakes for the Mets as they approach this series. After a disappointing 2023 season that saw them miss the playoffs despite high expectations, the team has shown resilience in 2024 under Mendoza’s leadership. The Mets have overcome early struggles and injuries to key players like Edwin Díaz and Starling Marte to position themselves as legitimate contenders. A strong showing against the Phillies could solidify their status as a team to watch in October, while a poor performance might raise questions about their ability to handle pressure in crucial moments.

In terms of Manaea’s preparation for the start, the article mentions that the left-hander has been working closely with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner to refine his mechanics and improve his command. Manaea’s ability to mix pitches and keep hitters guessing will be critical against a Phillies lineup that thrives on exploiting mistakes. The piece also notes that Manaea has expressed confidence in his recent performances, stating in a post-game interview after his last start that he feels “locked in” and ready to contribute to the team’s playoff push.

The article concludes by underscoring the importance of this series not just for the Mets’ standings but for their momentum heading into the final weeks of the regular season. With only a handful of games remaining, every win is vital, and a series victory over the Phillies could provide the Mets with the psychological edge they need to secure a Wild Card spot. The piece ends on an optimistic note, suggesting that with Manaea on the mound and the team playing with a sense of urgency, the Mets have a real chance to make a statement in Philadelphia.

In summary, this Sports Illustrated article provides a comprehensive look at the New York Mets’ announcement of Sean Manaea as the starting pitcher for their series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies. It covers Manaea’s performance metrics, the strategic reasoning behind the decision, and the broader context of the Mets’ playoff aspirations. The piece also explores the team’s pitching and offensive challenges, the historical rivalry with the Phillies, and the emotional stakes of the series. At over 700 words, this summary captures the depth of the original content while expanding on key points to provide a thorough understanding of the situation facing the Mets as they prepare for this critical matchup.

Read the Full Sports Illustrated Article at:
[ https://www.si.com/mlb/mets/news/new-york-mets-announce-starter-for-series-opener-against-phillies-logan9 ]