The New York Mets are staring down one of the most critical moments of their season as they head into Sunday’s regular-season finale against the Miami Marlins. With postseason hopes hanging by a thread, the Mets need a win and some help from the Cincinnati Reds, who face the Milwaukee Brewers.
In a move that’s got plenty of people talking, Sean Manaea will take the mound despite a rough stretch of outings. The Mets are clearly feeling the urgency, taking a calculated risk in this high-stakes showdown.
Mets’ Playoff Equation: Win and Wait
On paper, it sounds simple: the Mets must beat Miami and hope Milwaukee takes care of Cincinnati. But in reality, it’s a daunting ask.
Their wild-card hopes rest entirely on Sunday’s outcomes. Every pitch and every decision feels like it could define the season.
Why Sean Manaea Gets the Nod
Manaea comes into the game with a 5.80 ERA for the season and a rough 7.34 ERA since August. Honestly, those numbers don’t inspire much confidence.
Still, the Mets are betting on his strikeout and whiff rates to counter Miami’s contact-heavy lineup. They’re hoping his knack for missing bats can make up for the defensive issues that have haunted them all year.
The Alternatives and Their Limitations
Some fans figured David Peterson would get the call. But Peterson’s recent stretch — an 8.42 ERA over his last nine starts — speaks for itself.
He tends to allow more balls in play, which just doesn’t fit with the Mets’ shaky defense, especially when everything’s on the line.
Why an Opener Was Off the Table
The Mets weighed using an opener, hoping to play the matchups early. But Huascar Brazoban, their top choice, has trouble with left-handed hitters.
With Miami able to stack lefties, the risk of falling behind fast was enough for the Mets to scrap that idea.
Marlins Are Playing Spoiler
Even though they’re out of the playoff race, the Miami Marlins haven’t just rolled over. Their manager keeps things sharp, mixing platoon advantages, pinch-hitting, and matchup moves to stay competitive.
For a desperate Mets squad, Miami’s fight is another headache in an already tense situation.
Impact on Mets Strategy
Because Miami’s still going hard, the Mets have to treat this like a playoff game before the playoffs even start. Every defensive shift, bullpen call, and pinch-hitter will be under the microscope Sunday afternoon.
Fresh Bullpen Can Be a Difference-Maker
One bright spot: the Mets’ bullpen is fresh. Clay Holmes gave them six shutout innings on Saturday, saving arms for the finale.
Closer Edwin DÃaz is ready for a rare six-out save if needed. If Manaea can keep it close, that’s a big weapon to have in their back pocket.
High-Leverage Relief Options
Alongside DÃaz, the Mets have a rested relief corps that can handle multiple innings. If Manaea gets in trouble early, they won’t have to stick with him longer than necessary.
Manaea’s Season Tells a Larger Story
Manaea’s rough patch has kind of mirrored the Mets’ up-and-down year. At one point in 2024, he was their most reliable starter.
But 2025 brought injuries and inconsistency, knocking him down the pecking order. Now, this last game gives him a shot at redemption, and for the Mets, it’s a gamble they probably have to take.
The Swing-and-Miss Factor
In the end, the Mets are banking on Manaea’s swing-and-miss stuff. Against a Miami team that thrives on putting the ball in play, his ability to rack up whiffs could be the difference.
It’s a risky move—maybe even a little desperate—but sometimes that’s what the moment calls for. This could either push them into October or send them packing early. Who knows?
Key Takeaways for Mets Fans
As Sunday’s drama unfolds, here’s what fans should watch closely:
- Can Manaea actually keep Miami from making solid contact?
- Will the defense stay sharp behind Manaea as he chases strikeouts?
- How will the manager time Edwin DÃaz and the bullpen? That decision could change everything.
- And don’t forget the scoreboard in Milwaukee. That game might decide if the Mets’ playoff hopes live or die.
For the Mets, Sunday is pure survival mode. One win, plus a Reds loss, could flip the whole season’s story.
Sean Manaea isn’t just taking the mound for another start. He’s taking a gamble that might keep New York’s dream alive—or end it for good.
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Here is the source article for this story: Why the Mets are starting Sean Manaea in must-win game
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