Mets injury update: Rafael Montero tosses two scoreless innings in Gulf Coast League

Rafael Montero pitched two innings for the Gulf Coast League Mets today, allowing no runs and one hit. It was Montero's first outing since being shut down with shoulder stiffness last Thursday. He had pitched in two Gulf Coast League games before that setback. Earlier this week, Collins said that he would visit Montero while the team was in Florida, and that he would tell him that the team needs him.

The Mets have said that they will use a spot starter sometime soon to limit the innings of their young pitchers. If Montero is healthy, he could in all likelihood serve as a spot starter. If not, Dillon Gee or Logan Verrett will likely be used.

In five games with the Mets in April—four relief outings and one start—Montero was 0-1 with a 4.50 ERA in ten innings. He was first put on the disabled list after an April 30 start against the Marlins with what was initially described as rotator cuff inflammation.