Mets relegate Frankie Montas to reliever role, Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean contenders for Saturday's starting pitcher spot
Mets Eye Prospects as Potential Starters Amid Montas Struggles
The New York Mets are currently in a bit of a pitching predicament, with starting pitcher Frankie Montas being sidelined due to an elbow injury and struggling in his seven starts this season. Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets over the winter to bolster their rotation, has yet to find his footing, recording a 6.38 ERA and 15 earned runs in his last three outings.
Montas was moved from the starting rotation to the bullpen and is currently on the 15-day injured list. However, he is projected to be a "long guy" or multi-inning reliever, but his role is not yet pigeonholed. Montas confirmed his demotion on Tuesday before their series opener against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field, with manager Carlos Mendoza stating that he will be available out of the bullpen beginning on Thursday after throwing a side session on Wednesday.
In light of Montas' struggles and demotion, the Mets are looking to their promising Triple-A right-handed pitching prospects to fill the vacant starting spot. Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat are the top contenders for the position, with McLean getting the first opportunity to take Montas' spot in the rotation.
McLean has been solid all season, with a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) at Triple-A. Sproat, on the other hand, has been dominant in his last seven starts, boasting a 1.15 ERA in 39 innings. However, he is not yet healthy and will join the competition when he is.
Meanwhile, Paul Blackburn, who is not a candidate for Saturday's start, is also impressing in his rehab starts. In his most recent outing, he allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits with three strikeouts in 5.2 innings. This is the first time Blackburn is on regular rest in his rehab starts, and the team is focusing on building up his pitch volume, as evidenced by his 97 pitches in his most recent outing.
In conclusion, the Mets are in search of a solution to their pitching woes, with prospects Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat being the most promising options to fill the open starting position. Blackburn is also making a strong case in his rehab starts, and the team is keen on building up his pitch volume. Montas, despite his struggles, remains a valuable asset to the team and will be available out of the bullpen soon.
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