Manaea's Velocity Drop: Mets' Concerns Grow

It's March 30th.

This is New York Metz News today, AI-powered stories from inside your team.

Shamanaya made his 2026 debut for the Metz yesterday at City Field against the Pirates,

but his velocity raised some eyebrows.

His fastball average just 89 miles per hour, sweeper at 75, and change up at 84, all down

about 2 miles per hour from.

Last year's numbers.

Last season, he was already in the 14th percentile for fastball speed at 91.7.

In one and one-third innings, he struck out two, walked two, gave up one hit, but kept

it scoreless against their top hitters.

Still it felt like he was barely hanging on, and folks wondered how long the Metz could

ride with that in a close game.

From the stands to manager Carlos Mendoza, everyone sensed the limitations, especially

with tougher foes like the Phillies and Braves looming later.

The Metz Dodge Division rivals until late April, but right now they're heading into

Cardinal series tonight, then four games against the Giants.

Menea skipped elbow surgery after a loose body issue last year, and if the speed doesn't

bounce back, an injured Lisbah for rehab work makes sense, to build him up in low-stakes

spots.

The Metz are hoping he regains that zip, or finds a way to dominate anyway, because with

two years left on his three-year, $75 million.

They can't afford a long slump this early.