Mets news: Danny Muno demoted to make room for Rafael Montero

The Mets have sent infielder Danny Muno to Triple-A Las Vegas in order to make room for Rafael Montero, who is scheduled to make a spot start on Tuesday against the Marlins.

Muno was called up on April 16 and had six plate appearances with the Mets in four games.

With Muno having been swapped out for Montero, the Mets again have a four-man bench, consisting of Anthony Recker, John Mayberry, Jr., Ruben Tejada, and Kirk Nieuwenhuis.

Montero opened the season in the Mets’ bullpen, but was sent down to Las Vegas earlier this month to stretch out his arm in preparation for his spot start.

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Terry Collins told reporters that Dillon Gee – whose spot in the rotation was reportedly in jeopardy – was not being replaced imminently. If that’s the case, it’s likely that Montero will return to Triple-A either after his start or when David Wright – rehabbing a strained hamstring – is activated from the disabled list.

Thoughts:

It’s a bit odd that a team that’s gotten mostly stellar starting pitching keeps playing short on the bench in favor of having extra relievers.

Instead of going with the four-man bench, I would’ve simply demoted either Erik Goeddel or Hansel Robles, but the Mets opted to keep all of their pitching for the time being.

If David Wright was expected back on Thursday, the team would only have the four-man bench for two games. However, with Wright not expected back until at least Saturday, the Mets will be undermanned on the bench for at least four days.

Perhaps the Mets have another imminent move up for their sleeves, but there’s nothing to indicate that’s the case.

For now, they’ll again play short on the bench, perhaps with Montero working out of the big league bullpen from Thursday until Wright is activated from the disabled list.