Mets’ Sean Manaea shifting to bullpen — for now — in latest rotation twist

Sean Manaea’s next appearance for the Mets is scheduled for the bullpen. 

With the team consolidating the rotation this week — Monday’s off-day allows for such a maneuver — the lefty Manaea will be available from the bullpen in a piggyback role when the Mets open their series against the Padres on Tuesday, according to manager Carlos Mendoza. 

Clay Holmes is the scheduled starter for the series opener, and Manaea would follow him.

Mendoza, after the 5-2 victory over the Rangers on Sunday, indicated there isn’t a script in place for Manaea’s usage. 

“I think it depends on what lineup we get and where we are in the game,” Mendoza said. “We have got to be able to make adjustments and be flexible.” 

Sean Manaea’s nets Mets appearance will be out of the bullpen. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST

Though Mendoza didn’t announce the rest of his rotation for this week, David Peterson and Jonah Tong are in position to follow Holmes in the Padres series. 

Manaea has been the rotation’s weak link this season.

Overall, he’s pitched to a 5.76 ERA in 11 appearances, 10 of which have been starts. 

In his start last week against the Phillies he allowed four earned runs in the first two innings before receiving a pep talk from Mendoza and rebounding to pitch the next three scoreless. 

Francisco Lindor stole second base in the first inning to reach 30 stolen bases for the second time in his career (he also accomplished the feat in 2023).

Lindor’s 116 stolen bases with the Mets are tied with Lenny Dykstra for the seventh-highest total in franchise history. 

Francisco Lindor steals second base during the Mets-Rangers game on Sept. 14, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Ryne Stanek pitched a scoreless 10th inning — stranding the automatic runner at second base — before the Mets rallied for the victory in the bottom of the frame.

It was a second straight scoreless outing for the inconsistent Stanek. 

The Mets finished the season 24-24 in interleague play.

It was the second straight season in which the Mets won 24 games against the American League. 

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Pete Alonso’s walk-off homer was the fifth of his career — breaking a tie with Mike Piazza, Cleon Jones, Wilmer Flores, Chris Jones and Kevin McReynolds on the Mets leaderboard. 

Francisco Alvarez reached base three times to continue his recent strong play.

Alvarez has a .313/.353/.667 slash line with four homers and 10 RBIs over his past 16 games.