Frankie Montas ready to be a Mets solution as injuries hammer rotation

Frankie says relax. 

Despite posting a gruesome 12.05 ERA over his six minor league rehab appearances, Frankie Montas said Monday there is no need to fret as his Mets debut approaches. 

“Adrenaline is going to kick in,” said Montas, who is scheduled to start against the Braves on Tuesday. “The numbers weren’t what I wanted, but health-wise it’s been pretty good. And to be honest I feel like I am ready to go out there and compete.” 

Montas, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $34 million that includes an opt-out after this season, joins a rotation in need following his rehab from a high-grade lat strain that has kept him sidelined since spring training. 

The Mets in the past 1 ½ weeks have placed Kodai Senga on the injured list with a right hamstring strain and lost Tylor Megill to elbow inflammation. The team went one start with rookie Blade Tidwell last Friday until Montas was ready. 

But Montas’ last two rehab starts in particular for Triple-A Syracuse were hardly inspiring. Included was a clunker in which he lasted only 1 ²/₃ innings and surrendered eight earned runs. He followed with a final performance in which he allowed five earned runs over five innings. 

“I really wasn’t worried about the numbers,” Montas said. “I was worried about trying to work on my pitches so when I get here I am ready to go and have no limitations.” 

In 30 starts for the Reds and Brewers last season, Montas pitched to a 4.84 ERA over 150 ²/₃ innings. The right-hander appeared in only one game for the Yankees the previous season following shoulder surgery. 

Montas, whose lat strain was diagnosed in February, said he isn’t surprised it took him this long to return. 

“It was a big injury, kind of serious,” Montas said. “They took the time and they did an amazing job getting me back to my old self. My [velocity] is back and I feel pretty good and I felt like they took the right amount of time to make sure I was pretty healthy.” 

From manager Carlos Mendoza’s perspective, the Mets are adding a significant rotation piece. 

“He was a guy that when we signed him in the offseason he was going to be a big part of this rotation,” Mendoza said. “I remember when we played Milwaukee in the playoffs, he was pretty nasty the way the ball was coming out, the way he was using all his pitches. 

“I have seen him pitch for a lot of years at this level and have success. The expectation is he will go out there, compete and give us a chance to win a baseball game every time he takes the ball, starting [Tuesday].” 

Montas’ return is just Step 1 in what the Mets hope will be a retooled rotation: Sean Manaea is scheduled for a potential last rehab start with Syracuse on Wednesday. The lefty Manaea, who has been rehabbing an oblique strain since spring training, could possibly face the Brewers next week at Citi Field. 

Montas is just glad to step in at a time it’s needed. 

“Every team goes through one of these stretches at least one time a year when things are not going their way,” Montas said. “We have a good group of guys here, they look out for each other and are trying to help each other. 

“I’m excited just to help. When you are doing rehab, you feel like you are not able to help the team get a win. It doesn’t feel good, but if I am on the field, I have a pretty good chance to help and that is what I want.”