Rafael Montero will return to the Mets with a spot start on April 28

The Mets announced today that they have optioned right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero to Las Vegas—infielder Danny Muno will be called up in his place—but they have also announced that Montero will be returning to the team on April 28 and will make a spot start against the Marlins in Miami, according to Anthony DiComo of MLB.com.

The 24-year-old made his first major league start against the New York Yankees on May 14, 2014. In that game he pitched six innings, struck out three, walked two, and allowed five hits. Montero has primarily been a starting pitcher as a professional, but he made the Mets this season as a reliever and has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen so far. He will most likely not pitch in the bullpen for the 51s, but his time in Las Vegas will help in stretching him out to be a starter once again.

Montero isn't expected to join the rotation upon his return, but any use as a starter—and any success in that role—is perhaps a bad portent for Dillon Gee, who has allowed nine runs and thirteen hits over 10.2 innings in his two starts this year.