Mets Get Brutal News on Key Starting Pitcher

The New York Mets made what they thought was an important move to solidify the depth on their rotation this offseason when they agreed to a a two-year, $34 million contract with Frankie Montas.

Unfortunately, the soon-to-be 32-year-old will be shut down with a lat strain and will miss a significant portion of the early part of the season.

High grade lat strain for Frankie Montas, Mets announced. Will be shut down 6-8 weeks, then need a full spring training
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 17, 2025

It's listed as a high-grade lat strain, and Montas will be shut down for six to eight weeks. After that, he'll need to undergo his own 'spring training', which will essentially keep him out until likely well into May.

He started to feel the discomfort during his first side session of the spring last week. He'll be receiving a platelet-rich plasma injection which they hope will expedite the healing process.

The right-hander is no stranger to the injury bug, having pitched just one game in 2023 and only 19 in 2022 due to shoulder surgery.

In 2024, he came back and posted a 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA for the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.

For his career, Montas has a 4.09 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP while striking out 9.2 batters per nine innings.

The Mets also brought back Sean Manaea while adding former closer Clay Holmes and starter Griffin Canning for additional rotation depth over the offseason. They've been planning to go with a six-man rotation in 2025.