Richard Dean
Updated on: October 17, 2024 4:39 am GMT
Mets pitcher Sean Manaea is ready to face the Philadelphia Phillies again, but this time he is a different player. The last time he took the mound against them in the postseason, it did not go well. Manaea, then with the San Diego Padres, suffered a nightmare outing in the 2022 National League Championship Series, leading to his team’s elimination. But today, he stands as the ace for the New York Mets, hoping to rewrite that chapter.
Looking Back at 2022
In the pressure cooker of the playoffs, Manaea’s struggle against the Phillies was glaring. In his 2022 postseason appearance, he pitched just 1 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on four hits and two walks. This performance significantly contributed to the Padres’ loss in Game 4 of the NLCS, sealing their fate in a five-game series. The Phillies managed to capitalize on Manaea’s shaky start, with standout performances from players like Nick Castellanos and Rhys Hoskins.
Reflecting on his previous outing, Manaea noted, “It obviously wasn’t a very good outing for myself.” Yet, he emphasized that he has since evolved. “I’m not the same pitcher I was then. They’re not the same they were then as well.”
A Stronger Sean Manaea
This season, Sean Manaea has demonstrated significant improvement. He has matched his career-high in starts with 32 and achieved a 3.47 ERA, the best of his career as a qualified starter. His performance in the latter part of the season has been particularly impressive. From July 30 through the end of the regular season, he led all pitchers in innings thrown and posted a stellar 2.63 ERA over 11 starts.
Manaea’s transformation included a different arm angle and a newfound consistency, making it difficult for batters to predict his pitches. He has also increased his fastball velocity from 91.3 mph in 2022 to 93.6 mph in 2023 through offseason training at Driveline, a well-known pitching facility.
- Career-high starts: 32
- Best ERA: 3.47
- Final two months ERA: 2.63
Redemption Awaits
As the Mets prepare for Game 3 of the National League Division Series at Citi Field, the stakes are high. After splitting the first two games of the series against the Phillies, Manaea sees this matchup as an opportunity for redemption. “It’s been a very fun season for me personally,” he remarked, adding that his proudest achievement is maintaining his health throughout the year.
Fans are eager to see whether Manaea’s metamorphosis will lead to success against a potent Phillies offense known for its firepower. The Mets won Game 1 of the series with an eighth-inning comeback in Philadelphia, and they look to carry that momentum into their home field.
Key Players for the Phillies
Understanding the challenge Manaea faces means keeping an eye on the key players for the Phillies. Some of the most impactful hitters include:
- Kyle Schwarber: Known for his power hitting and home-run ability.
- Bryce Harper: A consistent performer and one of the game’s biggest stars.
- Nick Castellanos: Instrumental in driving runs, as shown in their previous game against Manaea.
How to Watch
For fans wanting to catch the action, Game 3 will take place at Citi Field in New York. The game will be broadcast nationally, but local fans can also tune in for a more in-depth analysis during pre-game and post-game shows.
- Date: Tuesday, October 10
- Location: Citi Field, New York
- How to watch: Check local listings for broadcast details.
A Different Atmosphere
Manaea’s journey to this point was marked not only by the technical adjustments he made on the field but also by significant changes in his personal appearance. After sporting a heavy beard and long hair, he entered spring training clean-shaven, symbolizing his fresh start and new mindset.
Now, with the chance to put a troubling past behind him, Manaea is ready to embrace the moment. The game offers him a platform to showcase how far he has come as a pitcher. The pressure is on, but Manaea seems prepared to tackle this challenge head-on.
Sean Manaea is ready to help the Mets win, and he wants to show everyone that change can bring success, both in the game and in life. Fans are excited to see if this new and improved Manaea can step up and take on the tough Phillies.
