Acce s the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. ATLANTA Ready or not, Frankie Montas time with the Mets is near. There is a good chance, manager Carlos Mendoza said Thursday, the right-hander following a will be activated from the injured list next week to pitch against the Braves at Citi Field. Montas, who arrived last winter on a two-year contract worth $34 million, has yet to throw a pitch for the Mets after a high-grade lat strain sidelined him in spring training. The Mets were realistically left between stashing Montas in the bullpen and placing him in the starting rotation with his rehab clock set to expire Sunday. Frankie Montas is pictured Jan. 25. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post Explore More Most recently, he allowed five earned runs over five innings for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday. Overall, he started six games in the minors and pitched to a 12.05 ERA and 2.14 WHIP. I am not going to lie: He got hit, Mendoza said before the Mets faced the Braves. He got hit around, but we have seen it before where guys in spring training struggle, and they get hit around. And once you put them in a big league game under the lights and you game plan and make adjustments hes had succe s at this Ryan Gusto Jersey level before. Hopefully, that is the case here on a guy that pretty much treated this rehab proce s as spring training and got hit around. We believe in the player, and we want to give him a chance. Montas will a sume Tylor Megills rotation spot. Megill this week with an elbow sprain, and the Mets will use a spot starter in his place Friday in Philadelphia. CHECK OUT THE AND The team has recalled Justin Hagenman from Syracuse, and the right-hander could be used behind an opener against the Phillies, provided he wasnt needed in relief for Thursdays series finale at Truist Park. Mendoza indicated he hadnt spoken with Montas but watched video of his Wednesday rehab start. The first time through the lineup was a lot better, especially with the secondary pitches, Mendoza said. He gave up a three-run homer, but we feel like, mechanically, hes getting there. We need starters here. We signed him to be a starter for this team, and we are going to give him the chance. Frankie Montas throws a pitch during an October 2024 game. AP Last week, the Mets placed ace Kodai Senga, who was leading MLB with a 1.47 ERA, . Paul Blackburn has taken Sengas spot in the rotation, at least until Sean Manaea can return from a strained oblique that has kept him out since spring training. Manaea is set for a fourth rehab start (and first for Syracuse) on Friday. Its likely he will need 1-2 additional minor league starts beyond Friday before hes considered for activation. Delivering insights on all things Amazins Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you By clicking above you agree to the and . Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Blackburn started against the Braves on Wednesday and pitched 3 / innings, allowing four runs (one unearned) on four hits and two walks. It was Blackburns fourth appearance and second start after opening the season on the IL. Montas has been working on his mechanics and arm slot, according to a source, and indicated he found his rhythm in his latest start for Syracuse. Its not like were going to run [Montas] for 90 pitches right away, Mendoza said. Well wait until he makes a start, and well watch him closely, and well be smart about it. Mendoza said that, in a conversation with Montas before his latest outing, the pitchers confidence level didnt seem compromised. I didnt sense anything from him because its the minor leagues, Mendoza said. It was more about mechanics and pitches. Luis Garcia Jersey
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