Rafael Montero Named FSL Pitcher of the Week

The Florida State League announced on Tuesday  that St. Lucie Mets pitcher Rafael Montero has been named the Pitcher of the Week between the period of August 6-13.Montero tossed 7 2/3 no-hit innings against the Palm Beach Cardinals on August 7 to win his fifth game. He struck out five and walked three. Montero retired 15 consecutive batters at one point.

The 21-year-old right-hander won his third consecutive game and has struck out 56 over 50 2/3 innings with the Mets through eight starts.

Montero struck out a career-high 14 batters in a victory over the Clearwater Threshers on July 31.

Montero, a 6-0, 170-pound righty, hails out of the Dominican Republic and was signed by the Mets as a non-drafted free agent in January of 2011.

Montero is a combined 11-5 with a 2.36 ERA between low-A Savannah and St. Lucie. He has pitched 122 innings and has struck out 110 while walking just 19.

Montero is the first Mets pitcher to win the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week Award during the 2012 season.

First baseman Richard Lucas was named Florida State League Player of the Week between July 30- August 6.