ATLANTA — New York Mets right-hander Frankie Montas will miss the rest of the season because of a right elbow injury that could lead to Tommy John surgery.
The Mets placed Montas on the 15-day injured list on Saturday and recalled right-hander Huascar Brazobán from Triple-A Syracuse.
The 32-year-old Montas hasn’t pitched since he allowed one run in two innings in a relief appearance against Seattle on Aug. 15. Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said Montas reported new soreness on Friday, leading to an MRI that revealed the UCL injury.
When asked if the injury was a sprain or tear, Mendoza said: “He’s got a pretty significant injury there. We’ve got multiple doctors looking at it to see.”
Mendoza said Tommy John surgery is possible.
“It’s awful. It’s hard for him,” Mendoza said before Saturday night’s game at Atlanta. “He was pretty devastated yesterday when he found out and rightfully so. It’s been a hard year for him.”
Montas is 3-2 with a 6.28 ERA in nine games, including seven starts.
Montas finalized a $34 million, two-year contract with New York in December. He was hampered by a strained right lat in spring training and was ineffective after he returned from the injury. He was moved to the bullpen this month.
Brazobán is 5-2 with a 3.83 ERA in 44 games, including three starts, with the Mets this season. His three starts came as an opener. Mendoza said Brazobán is available for long relief.