Mets right-hander Seth Lugo is headed for the disabled list to begin the season, sources said on Saturday, which would give Rafael Montero the final remaining spot in the bullpen.
Lugo underwent an MRI exam on Saturday that revealed no structural damage to his right arm, sources said. However, the Mets may place Lugo on the disabled list retroactively, essentially resolving the lone question looming over their Opening Day roster.
Lugo had been experiencing what manager Terry Collins has termed fatigue stemming from the righty's workload this spring, including a stint with team Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Lugo had been expected to throw on Sunday, after which the Mets would make a final decision. Now, they appear ready to carry Montero, the 26-year-old who is coming off a spring in which he got himself back into the organization's good graces.
Montero posted a 1.96 ERA in 181/3 innings this spring, when he appeared more comfortable challenging hitters in the strike zone, one of the weaknesses that had kept him from establishing himself as a major leaguer.
