Manaea's Velocity Drop: Mets Manager Unconcerned

From the Daily News Now Network, this is New York Met's News Today.

Subscribe to keep up with every headline, every game.

Sean Manaya insists he's completely healthy, and New York Met's manager Carlos Mendoza backs him up.

But the Leap Handler's fastball velocity has dropped during spring training,

averaging just 88.8 miles per hour in his latest.

Outing against the Cardinals.

That's down from his first start and well below his 93.1 average from two years ago.

In that Thursday game, Manaya topped out at 90.4 miles per hour in a 3-1 loss.

While these are just exhibition matchups, the trend has folks talking,

especially since velocity was never an issue for him in past springs.

Mendoza isn't worried as long as Manaya feels good,

pointing to mechanical tweaks and a new cutter pitch.

Manaya had a rough year last season with an oblique injury

that might still be affecting his arm slot and delivery.

The pitcher himself chalks it up to needing more reps to build back up

with no other clear explanation.

He skipped elbow surgery after feeling fine as seasons end.

Everyone in the Met's organization hopes the velocity ramps up soon,

maybe in a few weeks or a month as training progresses.

The Daily News Now is made possible with support from our sponsor.

If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound.

S-O-L-L-I, solely pillow.com