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,

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.

The Mets are just a week into spring training and are already down two starting pitchers when Opening Day arrives at the end of March. Frankie Montas will miss