Mets right-hander Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year deal in December, said he had a normal offseason and felt really good entering spring training. But upon arriving, he immediately suffered the lat injury that will keep him out for the start of the season.
Specifically, Montas' injury occurred during his first bullpen session of camp.
"Felt something in the back of my tricep, ended up being a lat," Montas told reporters on Wednesday morning. "The good thing -- they're taking every right step to deal with this. Can say I got a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) shot yesterday. It's already feeling pretty good. Just gotta let that thing work and just jump into this rehab, like I said, so I can come back as soon as possible."
The Mets said earlier this week that Montas would be shut down from throwing for six-to-eight weeks, though Montas said his shutdown period would be four-to-six weeks, after which he can start playing catch.
Asked whether this injury has anything to do with his right shoulder, Montas said no. "Thank God it's not my shoulder," he added with a chuckle.
It was Montas' right shoulder that cost him nearly all of the 2023 season with the Yankees.
After appearing in just one game in 2023, Montas threw 150.2 innings last season split between the Reds and Brewers, posting a 4.84 ERA (4.71 FIP).
The Mets' depth will be tested without Montas, especially with them planning to use a six-man rotation.
Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson are expected to be the first four starters, with Paul Blackburn, Griffin Canning, and Tylor Megill the most likely candidates for the fifth and sixth spots.
While the rotation is in a bit of a precarious spot, SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino reported on Monday that "the initial read" was that the Mets were not likely to fill their rotation need externally.