Mets Contemplate Changes Amid Struggles
The Mets acknowledge that adjustments are necessary within their pitching ranks, but they haven’t confirmed if the solution will come from triple-A just yet.
Frankie Montas is set to pitch this Saturday, facing challenges with both endurance and performance. Despite the struggles, the Mets have indicated they might get “creative” with his placement, potentially using an opener before him.
According to sources, Brandon Sprout and Nolan McLean have been performing well in Syracuse. Manager Carlos Mendoza pointed out that there hasn’t been any serious discussion about replacing Montas or Clay Holmes. Even though both have shown promise, it’s unclear if they’ll make their major league debuts this season.
Entering Monday’s game against the Guardians, the Mets hadn’t seen a starter, aside from David Peterson, pitch more than six innings for over eight weeks. Their rotation had managed just five innings collectively since June 1st.
Since returning from a right lat strain, Montas has struggled to build his pitch count. Unfortunately, this has limited his ability to go deep into games. He’s allowed 12 runs in his last two outings, notably giving up four home runs in a loss to the Giants.
The team anticipates having a well-rested bullpen available when Montas takes the mound in Milwaukee, thanks to a scheduled off day on Thursday.
As a ten-year veteran, Montas signed a $34 million deal last offseason that includes a player opt-out after two years. The Mets prefer to assess his role after observing his performance this weekend.
“We’ll see how the game goes,” explained David Stearns, the team’s president of baseball operations. “Maybe after Saturday, we can make a clearer decision.”
Montas has faced difficulties, and Holmes has a 4.30 ERA over his last nine games, with both struggling to complete six innings. Meanwhile, Kodai Senga has been erratic in his four starts since returning from the injured list. Sean Mania is slated for Monday’s start, aiming to solidify the rotation.
Syracuse’s rotation welcomes Sprout back, as he has only allowed two runs over his last six starts, covering 33 innings and striking out 39 while starting 19 games this season.
Stearns was non-committal about how soon either player might contribute at the major league level.
“It’s a mix of their readiness and our roster needs,” Stearns commented ahead of the kickoff against the Guardians. “We might reach a point where we need to bring one of them up, but we’re not there yet.”
In terms of their development, do they appear ready for a call-up?
“They seem to be getting closer,” said Stearns. “Both have made significant progress this past month.”
While the Mets bolstered their roster at the trade deadline by acquiring talent for centerfield and the bullpen, they didn’t manage to secure any rotation help. Paul Blackburn is expected to start another rehab assignment in Syracuse before the Mets make a decision about him.
Will the organization’s top pitching prospects make their mark in the majors this year?
“That’s certainly a valid question,” Mendoza remarked. “They’re progressing well and seem to be in a good position, so we’ll discuss it soon. They’re definitely knocking on the door.”
