Overview

• Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal with the Mets this offseason, has been diagnosed with a high-grade lat strain and will not throw for 6-8 weeks.
• The injury will require Montas to undergo a full spring training-style buildup after the shutdown, likely sidelining him until at least May or June.
• The Mets are evaluating potential replacements, including free-agent pitchers Alex Wood and José Quintana, as well as exploring trade options like Padres ace Dylan Cease.
• Montas' absence intensifies concerns about the Mets' rotation, which already had significant question marks despite offseason additions like Sean Manaea and Clay Holmes.
• Manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the team’s pitching depth but acknowledged the need for internal competition and external solutions to stabilize the rotation.