Mets' Frankie Montas Shut Down from Throwing for 6-8 Weeks Amid Lat Injury

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that starter Frankie Montas was shut down from throwing for six to eight weeks due to a lat strain.

Montas will receive a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection.

Mendoza also confirmed that the 31-year-old needs a spring training time period to throw after he's shut down.

Montas signed a two-year, $34 million contract with New York as a free agent on Dec. 1.

Montas finished with a 7-11 record across 30 combined starts with the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers in 2024. He posted a 4.84 ERA and 1.367 WHIP, racking up 148 strikeouts and 66 walks in 150.2 innings of work.

Montas appeared in just one game during the 2023 season after undergoing shoulder surgery.

He was expected to serve as rotation depth for a Mets team coming off an impressive 2024 campaign, making a National League Championship Series appearance.

New York's pitching staff was a key reason for the successful year, ranking No. 4 in the National League with an ERA of 3.91 among starters.

The Mets are expected to utilize a six-man rotation in 2025 that includes Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, Griffin Canning and David Peterson. With Montas missing time, Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill are candidates to secure the final spot

New York is looking to remain an NL contender following the blockbuster acquisition of Juan Soto, signing him to a massive 15-year contract worth $765 million.

The Mets also brought back slugger Pete Alonso on a two-year, $54 million deal in free agency.

As New York navigates through spring training, Montas will miss an extended period of time.