After surviving his first outing as a long reliever, Frankie Montas would like to think he’s got the hang of his new role.
The displaced starting pitcher pitched the eighth and ninth innings Friday, allowing one run over that stretch, albeit with three hits allowed and two walks.
Montas was bumped from the rotation last week, leaving Nolan McLean with an opportunity to pitch in his major league-winning debut Saturday, which he helped lead the Mets to a 3-1 win over the Mariners at Citi Field.
“They did a good job of giving me time to warm up and everything, so it was pretty good,” Montas, noting that he knew a half-inning ahead of time that he would be pitching.
Montas’ demotion occurred after he pitched to a 6.38 ERA in his first eight appearances with the club, beginning in late June.
The right-hander, who did not pitch in Saturday’s win, missed the first half of the season rehabbing from a high-grade lat strain.
What is Montas’ focus as he tries to get on track?
“I am just trying to attack hitters, staying in attack mode,” Montas said. “I am trying to make better pitches and better counts. I am trying to finish guys and understand how my pitches are playing.”
On a team that has struggled to receive length from starting pitchers, Montas could receive plenty of work in his new role, especially following the departure of Paul Blackburn, who was designated for assignment following Friday’s game — the Mets needed the roster spot for McLean.
The Mets bullpen has struggled lately, but Montas expects that script to flip.
“It’s not just the people in the bullpen, all of us are going through it right now,” Montas said. “It’s hard to point fingers at single guys, but I feel like I have been able to be in the bullpen the last couple of days and see the way these guys prepare for a game. They are just having tough luck. It’s not because they are not preparing well or not trying.”
Montas, who is signed through 2026 — he is owed $17 million for next season if he doesn’t opt out — said he’s hoping for another shot in the rotation this season if the opportunity arises.
“I consider myself a good starter,” he said. “I just have to fix what I have to fix and keep working.”
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
