Mets Move Frankie Montas to Bullpen Amid Struggles After $34M Contract in Free Agency

New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters on Tuesday that pitcher Frankie Montas would not make his next start and would be transitioned from the rotation to the bullpen.

The Mets signed Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal in December, though it hasn't looked like a great move to this point. After missing nearly three months at the start of the season with a lat injury, the 32-year-old has gone 3-2 in eight appearances (seven starts) with a whopping 6.38 ERA and 1.55 WHIP. He has 32 strikeouts in 36.2 innings.

Changes have been needed in Queens. The Mets have lost 11 of their last 12 games, with three of those losses coming in Montas' appearances. The team's slide has come while the Philadelphia Phillies have gotten hot, resulting in Philly stretching its NL East lead over the Mets to six games.

Whether Montas' ultimate replacement in the starting rotation works out remains to be seen, but it was clear he was no longer a viable option in that role.