Mets injury update: Rafael Montero experiencing shoulder stiffness, will see doctor

Rehabbing Mets pitcher Rafael Montero reportedly experienced stiffness after his last throwing session and will see doctors this week. The 24-year-old has been out since April 30 with rotator cuff inflammation, which came after a spot-start against the Marlins. He recently made two appearances for the Gulf Coast League Mets in the Rookie League, tossing four scoreless innings. In five appearances for the Mets earlier this season—four relief outings and one start—Montero went 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in ten innings.

Terry Collins recently floated the idea of using a spot-starter at some point later this season, and Montero would have likely been a candidate for that. If Montero cannot fill that role, it is likely that the Mets would use either Logan Verrett or Dillon Gee. The Mets have also tried using Montero as trade bait; he was recently offered to the A's for Ben Zobrist, a deal that Oakland GM Billy Beane declined.