The New York Mets’ offseason strategy of building pitching depth is already being put to the test. Right-hander Frankie Montas, one of the team’s key offseason acquisitions, has been diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain and will be shut down for 6-8 weeks. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that Montas will require a https://www.storenymets.com/collections/hideo-nomo-jersey full Spring Training-style buildup once he resumes throwing, meaning a best-case scenario would see him return by mid-May, with a more realistic timeline extending into late May or June.
Montas, 31, signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets this winter, but his injury history has been a concern. He missed most of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery and has spent time on the injured list in each of the last three years. Despite arriving at camp healthy, Montas experienced discomfort after his first bullpen session, prompting an MRI that revealed the strain.
The Mets entered Spring Training with a deep pool of starting pitchers, anticipating the need for 8-10 starters over the course of the season. With Montas sidelined, the team will rely on its depth, including Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson, to fill the rotation. Competing for the remaining spots are Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill, with Megill being the only one with a Minor League option.
Mendoza emphasized the team’s preparedness for such setbacks, stating, “We’ve been talking about it the whole offseason. Guys will step up. Guys will get opportunities.” The Mets plan to https://www.storenymets.com/collections/drew-gagnon-jersey use a six-man rotation early in the season to manage workloads, particularly for Senga, who is returning from injury. With three off-days in the first 15 days of the season, the team has flexibility to adjust its rotation as needed.
While the Mets have a history of reviving pitchers under pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, the rotation still carries uncertainty. Senga, Peterson, and Holmes are all coming off injury-plagued seasons, while Blackburn, Canning, and Megill have struggled with consistency. The team’s ability to navigate these challenges will be critical in a competitive National League East.
