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Pitcher Frankie Montas expresses readiness for any role within the Mets pitching squad amidst growing struggles in his rehabilitation.
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It seems the future could hold an altered role for Frankie Montas, who may not be a starter anymore.
After experiencing disappointing results, Montas' future may be in the bullpen. Following a rough rehab stint, where he boasted a staggering 13.17 ERA, the Mets will presumably consider him for a relief job upon his activation.
He is scheduled for one more rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse, and management plans to take a hard look at his performance before making any decisions.
Montas himself has shown some flexibility, willing to adapt to a bullpen role if need be. The right-hander, who has spent the majority of his career as a starter, stated his willingness to change roles in the team's best interest.
The Mets may also get creative with Montas' role, perhaps using him to piggyback off a short Paul Blackburn start. A three- or four-inning stint from Blackburn could allow Montas to enter the game with fresh legs.
No matter what the Mets decide, Montas is ready to contribute in any way he can, stating, "I just want to help."
However, Montas will need to figure out what has been plaguing him during his rehab starts. After allowing 20 runs in 13.2 minor league innings, including an eight-run, five-out blowup against a Yankees affiliate, Montas is still trying to work out mechanical issues and find his proper arm slot.
Although he is physically feeling well after being sidelined since mid-February with a high-grade lat strain, Montas' poor results don't concern him.
Montas' 30-day rehab clock expires on June 22, leaving room for one final rehab start if he is brought back on shorter rest with Syracuse to give him a taste of the bullpen.
Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed optimism, stating, "As he continues to get reps, we're hoping we start seeing better results." The Mets' greatest strength thus far has been their rotation depth, with Kodai Senga out for at least a month due to a Grade 1 hamstring strain.
David Peterson and Clay Holmes sport sub-3.00 ERAs, and Griffin Canning has been a surprising addition with a 3.22 ERA. Tylor Megill has been arguably the best No. 5 starter in baseball with a solid 3.76 ERA.
Even without Sean Manaea, who is on a rehab assignment and still a few weeks away from being an option, the Mets have not lacked pitching depth.
By reputation, Montas belongs in the rotation. With a 4.09 ERA over his nine major league seasons and a sixth-place finish in the AL Cy Young voting in 2021, Montas was viewed as a valuable addition to the Mets.
However, Montas' health has not cooperated, and now there are questions about whether his arm will. It may take some time for Montas to regain his form, but the Mets enovy he can still contribute to their rotation in the future.
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- https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2023/05/frankie-montas-confirming-hes-entertaining-the-idea-of-pitching-out-of-the-bullpen-for-the-mets.html
In light of the Mets' depth in the rotation, Frankie Montas may be considering a switch to the bullpen, as he expressed a willingness to adapt to the role. (sports, baseball, Montas, bullpen)
Despite struggling with mechanical issues during his rehab starts, Montas remains optimistic about regaining his form and contributing to the Mets in any capacity. (sports, baseball, Montas, Mets)
