Mets Prepare for Pitching Changes: Frankie Montas Demoted, Top Prospects on the Horizon

The New York Mets are set to make significant adjustments to their pitching staff after Frankie Montas was demoted to the bullpen due to a series of disappointing performances. This opens the door for the Mets to potentially call up one of their promising young pitchers this Saturday.

Montas Demotion and Bullpen Role

Frankie Montas has been struggling recently, holding a disappointing 6.38 ERA across eight appearances this season. After a game against Milwaukee where he allowed three runs over three innings, two of which were unearned, the club decided it was time for a change. Manager Carlos Mendoza confirmed Montas will now serve as a long reliever, saying:

"Right now, he will be that long guy in the bullpen, but you never know."

This shift in role reflects the Mets’ need for more consistent pitching as they navigate a challenging season.

Potential Call-Up Candidates: McLean vs. Sproat

Nolan McLean

Sources indicate that Nolan McLean is the frontrunner for the upcoming start. The 24-year-old right-hander has been impressive at Triple-A Syracuse, boasting a 2.78 ERA over 16 appearances. Here are some highlights of McLean’s recent performance:

• Recent Games: Last pitched on Sunday, providing him with five days of rest before a potential promotion.
• Strikeouts: Recorded 97 strikeouts in 87.1 innings, showcasing his ability to miss bats.

Brandon Sproat

On the other hand, Brandon Sproat, 25, has also emerged as a viable option. While his overall ERA stands at 4.10 over 22 starts this season, he has been improving in recent weeks.

Mendoza noted,

"There is a lot to like about their development."

Both prospects have shown the potential to adapt and improve, placing them in a strong position for a call-up.

Other Considerations: Paul Blackburn and Jonah Tong

Mendoza ruled out Paul Blackburn, who is scheduled for another rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse, thereby narrowing the Mets’ options. Meanwhile, Jonah Tong, a standout at Double-A Binghamton, was recently promoted to Syracuse with an impressive 1.59 ERA. However, expectations indicate he may not be ready for major league action this season.

The Need for Length in the Rotation

The Mets’ rotation has been under pressure, especially after being swept in a three-game series against Milwaukee. Since June 7, no starter other than David Peterson has pitched at least six innings. This lack of length places additional stress on the bullpen, making the call-up of a new starter essential for the team moving forward.

Key Statistics from Recent Games:

• Kodai Senga and Sean Manaea both struggled, failing to last five innings in their recent starts.
• Mendoza emphasized the need for pitchers to attack hitters effectively:

"If you get ahead 0-2 and before you know it it’s 3-2, you look up and it’s the fourth inning with 80 pitches."

Conclusion: Exciting Times Ahead for the Mets

As the Mets navigate these changes, they are faced with both challenges and opportunities. The potential call-up of Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat could bring a much-needed spark to the rotation. Fans are eager to see which young talent will make their Major League debut and how it could impact the Mets’ season.

For more insights and updates about the Mets and their pitching prospects, make sure to follow reliable sources like ESPN or MLB.com.