Mets news: Rafael Montero to DL with rotator cuff inflammation

Starting pitcher Rafael Montero, who was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after his start on Tuesday before being rerouted to New York for an MRI, has been diagnosed with inflammation in his right rotator cuff.
Due to major league rules and service time regulations, Montero’s option to Triple-A has been rescinded, and he has been placed on the 15-day major league disabled list.
According to Adam Rubin of ESPN New York, Montero’s injury is not considered serious.
Montero opened the season in the Mets’ bullpen, but was optioned to Las Vegas after an appearance on April 16 in order to be stretched out as a starter, specifically to provide a break for the rotation during their current stretch.
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Montero made two starts with Las Vegas before returning this week. In 10 innings over five appearances (one start), Montero is 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA (2.04 FIP).
During his spot start on Tuesday night, Montero took a scoreless outing into the sixth inning and wound up allowing three runs on five hits while walking one and striking out six in 5.2 innings of work.
Thoughts:
The Mets said on Wednesday that Montero’s MRI was being done for precautionary reasons, and the diagnosis backs up that assertion.
While it’s never a good thing for any pitcher to have an arm or shoulder injury, the issue Montero is dealing with is fairly common and should hopefully resolve itself quickly.
Depending on how quickly Montero returns, this might open the door for Noah Syndergaard to make his major league debut as a spot starter if the Mets follow through with their intention of giving their starters extra rest and/or skipping one of them from time to time.
As far as how this might affect a potential trade of Dillon Gee, the simple answer is that it shouldn’t.
The Mets need to create room in the rotation for Noah Syndergaard, and he’s currently blocked regardless of Montero’s status.