Mets injury update: Rafael Montero sent to New York to examine shoulder tightness

Fresh off a short-lived MLB return, Rafael Montero is heading to New York after suffering tightness in his throwing shoulder. The righty, who made a spot start against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday before going back to the minors, will undergo an MRI to determine the cause of his discomfort.

After starting 2015 in the bullpen, the 24-year-old spent 11 days on the farm before getting promoted as a stopgap sixth starter. Through 5.2 innings, he allowed six baserunners and three runs with six strikeouts and one walk in a 4-3 loss.

The plan all along was to give Montero a one-off start with the Mets going through a stretch of 12 games in as many days. Should he require a stint on the disabled list, the Mets will have to look elsewhere for a spot starter.

Assistant general manager John Ricco referred to the visit as "precautionary." If the examination unearths something worse, Montero will join Zack Wheeler, Bobby Parnell, Vic Black, Josh Edgin, and Jerry Blevins in a crowded group of sidelined pitchers.