The Mets have granted permission for Rafael Montero to pitch for his native Escondido in the Dominican League this winter.
According to ESPN’s Adam Rubin, Montero spoke to Dominican reporter Héctor Gómez. “I’m eager to throw in my country. This will be a dream come true…I am sure Daniel Cabrera, Jorge Sosa, Edward Valdez, Carlos Pimentel and I will form a solid starting rotation.”
After finally getting the call for the Mets, Montero went 1-3 with a 4.06 ERA in eight starts in 2014. He will have to battle hard in the spring to make the 2015 rotation. With Matt Harvey‘s return and the emergence of Jacob deGrom, the starting rotation is becoming a very crowded place. Montero turns 24 in a few weeks and is still highly regarded in the Mets front office.
If Montero can pitch well in the Dominican League it could open up even more trade possibilities for Sandy Alderson this winter.
