Mets relegate Frankie Montas to the bullpen; Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean potential starters for the upcoming game on Saturday.
Mets' Montas Demoted to Bullpen, Prospects in the Running for Starting Role
New York Mets starting pitcher Frankie Montas has been demoted to the bullpen following a series of poor performances and inconsistency, the team confirmed on Tuesday. Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets over the winter to bolster their rotation, has struggled this season with a 6.38 ERA in eight games (seven starts).
Montas himself has expressed that he still considers himself a starter but is willing to help the team in any role needed, including as a long reliever or multi-inning option out of the bullpen. The Mets see his bullpen role as fluid rather than fixed, with possibilities ranging from long relief to possibly pitching in late-inning situations as needed.
Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean, top Triple-A pitching prospects, are "in the conversation" to fill the spot left by Montas' demotion. Sproat has been dominant in his last seven starts at Triple-A, posting a 1.15 ERA in 39 innings pitched. McLean, who has been solid all season with a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances (13 starts) at Triple-A Syracuse, following a successful stint in Double-A Binghamton, is also in the mix.
The Mets currently do not have a starter confirmed for Saturday's matchup against the Seattle Mariners. Manager Carlos Mendoza plans to give any prospects called up a good look in the major leagues.
Paul Blackburn is not a contender to start on Saturday, as he is scheduled for another rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. In his five rehab starts, Blackburn has a 2.42 ERA and 1.150 WHIP across 26 innings, including a recent outing of 5.2 innings with 3 earned runs, 7 hits, and 3 strikeouts.
Montas will be available out of the bullpen beginning on Thursday after throwing a side session on Wednesday. The team and Montas appear to be adjusting to this new role while keeping options open for the remainder of the 2025 season.
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