Mets' No. 2 prospect Montero returns from DL

Right-hander Rafael Montero, the Mets' No. 2 prospect, returned from the disabled list Wednesday to make a rehab start with the rookie-level Mets in the Gulf Coast League. He threw four innings in a rain-shortened game.

Montero, ranked No. 67 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, had been sidelined since he left his start June 14 after throwing just five pitches. He was diagnosed with a strained left oblique and placed on the disabled list.

In his rehab start Wednesday against the Cardinals, Montero struck out six batters and allowed two runs on five hits and a walk. The Cardinals won, 2-1, when the game was called in the middle of the fifth inning due to rain.

Montero began the season with Triple-A Las Vegas. He was promoted to the Major Leagues in May and went 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in four starts for the Mets before returning to the minors.

In 11 starts with the 51s this season, Montero is 4-2 with a 3.75 ERA. He has struck out 49 batters and walked 24 in 50 1/3 innings.