New York Mets: 4 pitchers that need to step up with Jeurys Familia sidelined
The Mets could really use a boost from their former top prospect. Montero has not succeeded much at the major league level. He is a bit of a lost man right now, as the Mets do not have a defined role for him. He has pitched mostly as a starter, but also has experience as a reliever with the Mets.
Whatever role the team decides to use him in, they need Montero to perform better. He has excellent stuff, but he has not been able to put it together consistently with the big league club. This season he has been especially brutal, pitching to a 9.00 ERA and 2.77 WHIP in 10 appearances, one start, spanning 13 innings.
The big issue for Montero, which has been his bugaboo throughout his career, is walks. Montero has walked 11 batters in his 13 innings with 13 strikeouts. He has the stuff to succeed, he just has to harness it.
It is anyone’s guess as to if he will be able to. The Mets need to figure out whether it is worth committing to him as a starter or moving him to the bullpen full time. Knowing his role could put him at ease and improve his production.
Montero could fill a role for the Mets with Familia out. He could help in the bullpen, or maybe he can finally put it together in the starting rotation. He is someone that can help the Mets, but this could be one of his final chances with the team to figure things out.