AfterFrankie Montas was touched up for seven runs on seven hits in just 4.0 innings on Sunday during the Mets' blowout loss to the Giants, manager Carlos Mendoza was non-committal when asked about whether Montas would make his next scheduled start.
"I mean we just got done with the game here," Mendoza said. "He's got to be better and he knows that."
That kind of answer is ordinarily code for a team not being ready to commit to a pitcher's role.
By Monday afternoon, the Mets had committed to Montas' immediate role (sort of), with Mendoza saying he would pitch on Saturday against the Brewers. But there was a caveat.
"So, maybe an opener in front of him, but as of right now, on Saturday, he’s going to play a part in that game," Mendoza explained. "Depending on how we get through on Friday, we’ll see. But like I said, on Saturday he’s pitching."
It's unclear what the Mets hope to gain by using an opener in front of Montas, who has a 6.68 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in 33.2 innings over seven starts this season, and has allowed 11.2 hits per nine innings.
Perhaps the plan is for Montas to enter after an inning or two and go through the Brewers' lineup just once before being removed.
Either way, with Montas getting the ball in some fashion on Saturday against a red-hot Milwaukee lineup, the elephants in the room are pitching prospects Brandon Sproat and Nolan McLean.
Speaking right after the trade deadline, when the Mets opted to not acquire a starting pitcher, president of baseball operations David Stearnssaid the team was prepared to turn to Sproat and/or McLean down the stretch if needed.
But as of Monday night, they weren't ready to do so.
"I think it's always a combination of when developmentally those guys are ready, and also when there's the need and how to fit it on the roster," Stearns said. "And so, we may get to the point where we decide that it's the best thing to do to bring one or both of them here, but we're not at that point quite yet."
Stearns added:
"I think they're getting close. I think they've both had really good months, and they're making progress."
Sproat has been on fire for Syracuse, allowing just two runs over his last 33.0 innings -- a span of six starts.
As far as McLean, he has been terrific this season in 104.0 innings spit between Double-A Binghamton and Syracuse, posting a 2.60 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 113 batters.
It's possible the Mets still want Sproat (who struggled earlier this season) and/or McLean (who needs to be more effective against left-handers) to hit more benchmarks before being deemed ready for the majors. But if Montas struggles again on Saturday, it's hard to imagine New York waiting much longer to turn to one of them.
