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Frankie Montas is back in the majors.
The experienced pitcher returned to action in the season after recovering from a lat injury that kept him out for 79 games. In his comeback game, he pitched five innings without giving up any runs, striking out five batters, but allowing three hits and three walks in a match where the Mets were defeated 7-4.
Manager Carlos Mendoza said he was happy with the performance.
“I thought he was good,” Mendoza said “I thought the ball was coming out well.”
Mendoza pointed to Montas’ signature sinker as his best pitch of the night.
Though many of the Braves hitters did not chase it, he was still able to generate a good number of groundballs.
Although it appeared risky to field Montas against the Braves, a divisional opponent, considering his underwhelming performance in the minor leagues while on a rehabilitation assignment.
In six minor league outings, Montas had a 12.05 ERA, allowing 25 earned runs over 18 ²/₃ innings and eight home runs.
But, especially in his last outing, Mendoza said Montas’ pitches were looking strong.
Mendoza commented that Montas’ recent display was reminiscent of his playoff form, particularly during the Mets’ wild-card series against the Milwaukee team the previous season.
Montas worked out of two jams with two runners on in the first and third innings. Each time, he was able to work out of dangers and keep the game scoreless.
Montas ended up with a no-decision as the bullpen imploded in the sixth inning.
When asked how it felt to be back with the Mets, he said he was just doing his job.
“I was just trying to go out there and … do my job, get people out,” Montas said.