PITTSBURGH -- The pitching-deficient Mets on Friday recalled right-hander Tyler Pill from their Triple-A Las Vegas affiliate, optioning righty Rafael Montero to Vegas. Montero, who gave up three earned runs in three innings during Thursday's 4-3 loss to San Diego, is 0-4 with a 8.24 ERA.
The Mets also transferred Seth Lugo (elbow) from the 10-day to the 60-day disabled list, although the right-hander, who has yet to pitch this season, might be one rehab start away from rejoining the club.
Pill, 26, was 3-1 with a 1.96 ERA at Las Vegas. He will provide another arm out of the bullpen (and maybe as a starter), "and length," Mets manager Terry Collins said before Friday's game against the Pirates at PNC Park.
"We're in a situation, you never know, you hope everything plays according to plan, but for some reason, [starter Jacob deGrom] is covering first and somebody steps on his leg, or whatever it might be, 'Hey, you've got to have some innings,'" Collins said. "At least we've got somebody who can give us multiple innings."
Collins said right-hander Paul Sewald would not be available to pitch Friday and doubted the availability of right-hander Addison Reed.
"We've got to get some help in here in case we need it," said Collins.
The Mets have not announced their starter on Tuesday. Asked if it might be Pill, Collins replied, "It has not been discussed."