Frankie Montas’ Season Ends Amid UCL Injury Concerns
ATLANTA — The New York Mets face a significant setback as Frankie Montas’ inaugural season with the team concludes due to a serious right elbow injury. Manager Carlos Mendoza announced that the right-hander has been diagnosed with a “pretty significant” injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), leading to Montas being placed on the injured list just before a matchup against the Atlanta Braves.
Injury Overview
On Friday, Montas experienced discomfort in his lower bicep during a warm-up session in the bullpen. This occurred in Washington, but he did not appear in the game that day. Follow-up MRI scans confirmed the damage to the UCL, prompting immediate action from the Mets’ management.
Potential for Surgery
Mendoza indicated that Tommy John surgery could be a possible course of action for Montas, raising concerns about his future in the game.
- Injury Details:
- Diagnosed with UCL damage
- Soreness in lower bicep noted during warm-up
- MRI results confirmed injuries
Contract Situation
Montas signed a two-year contract with the Mets worth $34 million last winter, which includes an opt-out clause. Given his struggles this season, including being reassigned to the bullpen, he is likely to opt in for the upcoming year.
2023 Season Performance
Frankie Montas, 32, has struggled with performance throughout this season, posting a disappointing 6.28 ERA over just nine appearances, including two in relief.
- Key Stats:
- Games Played: 9
- ERA: 6.28
- Relief Appearances: 2
Montas began the season on the injured list due to a high-grade lat strain sustained during spring training, delaying his debut until June 24.
Impact on the Team
In Montas’ absence, the Mets have recalled Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse to fill his roster spot. Brazobán has been a frequent member of the Mets’ bullpen and is expected to contribute as a reliable option moving forward.
What’s Next for Montas?
After an arduous year filled with setbacks, Mendoza noted that Montas was devastated by the news of his injury. “He put in a lot of time rehabbing,” Mendoza said, highlighting Montas’ commitment to return to the field.
Conclusion
The Mets currently face a challenging situation with Montas’ injury impacting their pitching depth for the rest of the season. As the organization navigates these obstacles, they will look to leverage their existing talent — including Brazobán — to maintain competitive performance during crucial games.
- Next Steps: Monitor for updates regarding Montas’ injury and potential treatment options.
- Follow-Up: Keep an eye on Brazobán’s performance as he takes on additional responsibilities in the bullpen.
Additional Resources
For further insights into the ongoing situation with the Mets and other player news, visit:
This injury saga not only affects Montas’ future with the Mets but potentially alters the team’s playoff aspirations as they continue to compete throughout the remainder of the season.
