Sean Manaea pitched six innings, allowing two runs, as the New York Mets defeated the Atlanta Braves 3-2 in the first game of a doubleheader on Wednesday. The outing marked Manaea's second consecutive strong start and came just days before the MLB trade deadline on Monday.
Manaea, who is owed approximately $33 million through next season, has been the subject of trade speculation. His recent performance, including allowing two runs over six innings against the Dodgers last week, suggests he may be regaining the form that led to his previous contract. In Wednesday's game, he carried a shutout into the sixth inning before Matt Olson hit a two-run home run. Manaea's earned run average dropped to 4.42 following the start. He allowed five hits, two walks, and hit one batter while recording four strikeouts over 89 pitches.
The Mets took a 1-0 lead in the fifth inning when Francisco Alvarez hit a double, driving in Tyrone Taylor. Brett Baty had singled earlier in the inning. A.J. Ewing added to the lead with a sacrifice fly, scoring Baty.
After Olson's game-tying home run in the sixth, Carson Benge provided the go-ahead run for the Mets in the seventh with an RBI double. The rally began with consecutive walks to Ewing and Francisco Lindor.
Manaea has emerged as a key pitcher for the Mets, particularly during their 2024 playoff run. After a slump last year, he began the current season in the bullpen and has gradually improved his performance. Other Mets pitchers potentially facing trade interest include Freddy Peralta and Clay Holmes. Both are set to become free agents after this season, but Peralta's 4.99 ERA this season may impact his value, while Holmes has been recovering from a fractured fibula since May.