Right arm soreness keeps Montero sidelined
Recovering Mets pitcher hasn't appeared in rehab game since July 20
NEW YORK -- Another setback in a lengthy string of them has pitcher Rafael Montero running out of time to make an impact this season. Montero visited a doctor Thursday as the Mets fell, 8-7, to the Padres, after experiencing continued soreness in the right arm that has kept him sidelined for most of this year. He was cleared to resume throwing within the next few days, but he remains well behind schedule of what New York initially hoped.
Montero first began feeling soreness in his right shoulder following his lone start of the season on April 28 in Miami. He underwent an MRI, which revealed no structural damage. New York diagnosed him at the time with right rotator cuff inflammation.
Since then, Montero has existed in a sort of limbo, working out in Port St. Lucie, Fla., but not appearing on a Minor League rehab assignment until July 14. He threw a scoreless inning that day, and three more scoreless frames on July 20, but he has not appeared since.
Montero's temporary unavailability gives the Mets one less option when they look to insert a spot starter into their rotation, perhaps as soon as next week. Fellow rookie Logan Verrett has been stretched out as a starter at Triple-A Las Vegas, and he could fill that role.
Montero, 24, peaked as New York's No. 3 prospect in 2013. He is 1-4 with a 4.14 ERA in 15 career appearances, nine of them starts.
• Reliever Jerry Blevins has been cleared to throw for the first time since sustaining a left forearm fracture on April 20. There is no timetable yet for his return.
• Six days after designating him for assignment, the Mets released John Mayberry Jr. The veteran hit .164 in 59 games after signing a one-year, $1.45 million contract this winter.