Mets staring down prospect decision as Frankie Montas heads to bullpen
The New York Mets are making changes to their pitching rotation, with Frankie Montas being demoted to the bullpen after a series of disappointing performances. This move opens up an opportunity for the Mets to bring up a top pitching prospect to start on Saturday.
Sources indicate that Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat are the leading candidates for the starting spot. McLean, who has been pitching well for Triple-A Syracuse with a 2.78 ERA in 16 appearances, is considered a strong contender. On the other hand, Sproat has also shown improvement recently with a 4.10 ERA in 22 starts. Manager Carlos Mendoza has expressed confidence in both prospects and plans to give them a good look in the major leagues.
While McLean seems to be ahead in the pecking order, the final decision has not been announced yet. The Mets recently promoted Jonah Tong to Triple-A Syracuse after his impressive performance at Double-A Binghamton, but he is not expected to be considered for a major league debut this season.
Montas, who has struggled with a 6.38 ERA in eight appearances for the Mets, will now serve as a long reliever in the bullpen. The right-hander signed a two-year contract worth $34 million last winter, with an opt-out clause after this season. Mendoza emphasized the importance of Montas being honest about his readiness to pitch and the team’s need for length from starters.
The Mets have been lacking in starting pitching depth, with few starters able to pitch deep into games. Mendoza highlighted the importance of attacking hitters and avoiding deep counts to maintain efficiency on the mound. With a focus on improving the starting rotation, the Mets are looking to find consistency and stability in their pitching staff.
Overall, the Mets are looking to shake things up in their pitching rotation to address recent struggles and provide opportunities for young prospects to make an impact at the major league level. The team is hoping that the changes will lead to better performances on the mound and ultimately contribute to their success on the field.
