According to multiple sources I talked to on Tuesday, RHP Rafael Montero will make his Dominican Winter League debut on Thursday pitching for the Leones del Escogido in the Parallel League. The Parallel League is like the minor league feeder system for the younger players to get some experience.
If all goes well Montero could pitch on Monday in the last game of the season or in the playoffs. He will be on a short pitch count and could be limited to only relief appearances. He hasn’t pitched since throwing in the Mets Instructional League this fall, he struck out all four batters he faced in one outing. His last big league game was the start he made against the Marlins on April 28th this past season.
Montero was then put on the disabled list with what the team was calling shoulder tendonitis in his right arm. He made five rehab appearances (four starts) starting on July 14 and his last coming on August 16th for the St. Lucie Mets. Over the last two seasons for the Mets he has gone 1-4 with a 4.14 ERA, 1.491 WHIP, and has struck 55 batters in 54.1 innings.
For more Winter League coverage head over to MetsMinors.net.
