The New York Mets are gearing up for a significant boost to their pitching rotation as Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea are set to make their minor league rehab appearances this weekend. Both pitchers could rejoin the Mets in the coming weeks, providing a much-needed reinforcement to the team's already impressive rotation.

Montas' Road to Recovery

Frankie Montas, who strained a lat muscle early in spring training, has been on a steady path to recovery. The 32-year-old right-hander made his first minor league appearance on May 24 and has since pitched in two games each for Class A Brooklyn and Triple-A Syracuse. Despite a 9.00 ERA in these appearances, Montas has shown promise with nine strikeouts and eight walks in 12 innings. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism about Montas' progress, stating, "Let's get through this one on Friday and then we'll see where we're at."

Manaea's Comeback Journey

Sean Manaea, who arrived at spring training with a strained right oblique, made his first rehab appearance last Friday. The 33-year-old left-hander has a 6.23 ERA in two outings and 4 1/3 innings with Brooklyn. Mendoza has not yet specified where Manaea will make his next appearance, but the anticipation is high for his return to the mound.

Rotation Decisions Ahead

With the Mets boasting the best record in the National League at 43-24 and leading the NL East by 4 1/2 games, the return of Montas and Manaea presents a pleasant dilemma for Mendoza. The current rotation, featuring Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Kodai Senga, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning, has been stellar, with a combined 2.91 ERA. Mendoza remains confident that the situation will resolve itself, saying, "Usually it plays itself out."

As the Mets continue their push for the playoffs, the imminent return of Montas and Manaea could be the key to maintaining their dominance in the league.