ATLANTA -- Right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday night following the Mets' 6-3 victory over the Braves.
The move was made to make room for Jacob deGrom, who was has been away from the team since April 11, when he was placed on Major League Baseball's bereavement/medical emergency list because of complications with his newborn son.
Prior to that, deGrom had been dealing with a strained right lat muscle, which he sustained in his lone start on April 8. The right-hander threw a successful bullpen session in Port. St. Lucie, Fla., on Friday morning and will make his second start of the season Sunday.
In his lone appearance, deGrom lasted six innings in a winning effort against the Phillies, allowing five hits and one run while striking out six.
Montero was called up from Triple-A on April 13 and appeared in two games. The reliever pitched a combined 2 1/3 innings, while giving up three runs on five hits.