Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Mets announced on Sunday night that they have released left-hander Mike Montgomery. The veteran had an opt-out deadline of today, March 28, in his minor league deal with the team.
While speaking with reporters following his outing earlier today, Montgomery said he was yet to make a decision, and he would talk things over with the team later on.
The southpaw got the start on Sunday afternoon against the Miami Marlins at Rodger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and struggled for the first time this spring. Montgomery allowed five runs on six hits while walking one and striking out two over 2.2 innings of work.
Prior to that, the 31-year old was putting together a pretty solid spring. Montgomery didn’t allow a run and struck out seven over his 4.2 innings pitched. Over the past few days, Mets manager Luis Rojas said the team viewed Montgomery as a swingman and an option in backend of the rotation.
You have to figure this move likely increases the chances of right-hander Robert Gsellman making the big league team out of camp.
With Montgomery’s release along with the seven other cuts from earlier Sunday evening, the Mets now have 31 players in Major League camp with just one day remaining in spring training.
