Over the offseason, Mets officials made a strategic decision to build their rotation based on depth rather than ceiling. Instead of pursuing the top arms available in free agency, the team cast a wider net,

New York Mets pitcher Sean Manaea was diagnosed with an oblique strain and will likely start the season on the injured list, manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters Monday.

The New York Mets' rotation took another early hit on Monday as left-hander Sean Manaea was diagnosed with a strained right oblique. He's expected to be shut down for two weeks or so and is likely to open the regular season on the injured list.