PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. _ Mets righty Rafael Montero is likely to undergo Tommy John surgery after suffering a complete tear of the unlar collateral ligament (UCL) in is right elbow, the Mets announced. Montero had been fighting for a roster spot.
Montero experienced pain during his outing Tuesday against St. Louis, and the Mets announced the UCL tear Thursday afternoon.
It's hard to envision a scenario that does not result in Tommy John surgery since it's a full tear. Pitchers have worked their ways through partial tears such as teammate Seth Lugo, but the complete tear will likely lead to season-ending surgery.
Montero, 27, had been competing for a roster spot but the Mets were also considering parting ways with him. The righty is out of options, and had struggled in camp. Some in the organization favored trading him or designating him for assignment, while others believe there is untapped potential since Montero possesses above-average pitches.
The Mets are now expected to place Montero on the 60-day disabled list rather than part ways, according to a source. Montero will collect major league pay and service time while on the disabled list, but he is not being paid much as he's yet to hit arbitration.
If Montero had not sustained the injury, he might have landed with another organization. There has been interest _ although minimal _ and teams had made offers.
Montero is 6-16 with a 5.38 ERA in 58 games spanning four seasons, and pitched in a career-high 34 games last season while making 18 starts.
With Montero out of the fold, it appears the final three spots in the Mets bullpen will go to Lugo, Robert Gsellman and Jacob Rhame. Hansel Robles is in the mix, but like Montero he has pitched his way off the roster. Robles still can be optioned to the minors.
