Mets option Rafael Montero to make room for Danny Muno

The Mets have announced that they have optioned RHP Rafael Montero to Triple-A Las Vegas to make room on the roster for infielder Danny Muno, who was called up after last night’s game.

After last night’s move was announced, Adam Rubin of ESPN reported that the Mets would be demoting a reliever to make room for Muno – thus restoring the five-man bench and seven-man bullpen.

The only question last night was whether the Mets would option Erik Goeddel or Montero.

In four appearances in relief spanning 4.1 innings this season, the 24-year-old Montero had a 4.15 ERA (2.53 FIP), allowed four hits, walked four, and struck out seven.

The switch-hitting Muno, 26, hit .259/.372/.418 last season for Las Vegas.

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Prior to the season, when it was thought that Daniel Murphy would open the year on the disabled list, Muno was viewed as the favorite to start at second base in Murphy’s absence.

Thoughts:

Muno coming up to restore the five-man bench is a move that was long overdue, and it should help add balance to the bench while giving Terry Collins increased options during games.

I speculated last night that if the Mets are planning on using Rafael Montero in the big league rotation soon, perhaps he would be demoted in order to stretch out at Triple-A in preparation.

The assumption from most after this move is that Montero is indeed going down to Triple-A to work as a starter, which is the only way this move makes sense. If Montero is being sent down to continue to relieve, the club would’ve been better off demoting little-used Erik Goeddel.

In his four appearances for the Mets in the bullpen this season, Montero was at times dominant, flashing the terrific command he’s had over the majority of his minor league career. At other times, he was too fastball-happy and had trouble locating.

Ups-and-downs are to be expected from a 24 year old with little big league experience who is working as a reliever for the firs time in his career.

With Dillon Gee not establishing himself as an answer thus far in his two starts, Montero will most likely be the immediate replacement in the rotation if/when Gee is traded or sent to the bullpen. After that, the door should be open for both Noah Syndergaard and Steven Matz.