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PORT ST. LUCIE – Frankie Montas’ second impression on his new team will have to be better than his first.
The Mets right-hander returned to camp Wednesday after receiving a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection in his right side earlier in the week.
Montas was diagnosed in recent days with a high-grade lat strain that will keep him shut down from throwing for the next six to eight weeks, according to the club.
The starter is placing that timetable at four to six weeks.
Regardless, he will need a full spring-training buildup once he resumes throwing.
“I don’t think anybody wants to start with a first impression like that,” Montas said. “It’s one of those things that is out of my control. I prepared myself to pitch this winter. It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish, and just try to go through this process and get stronger, get better.”
Montas, who arrived this winter on a two-year contract worth $34 million that contains an opt-out after this season, had triceps discomfort after his first bullpen session this spring.
He said he felt fine physically arriving to camp.
A high-grade lat strain can necessitate surgery, but Montas said that option hasn’t been discussed with him.
“I don’t want to even think about that – the PRP is going to do it’s job,” Montas said. “I am already feeling better. A lot of the inflammation is gone, so we are definitely moving in the right direction.”
Montas pitched 150 2/3 innings last season for the Reds and Brewers, but appeared in only one game for the Yankees the previous year because of shoulder issues.
“The [lat] is definitely separate,” Montas said. “I am really happy with where my shoulder is, it’s really good. Just try to stay positive, try to go through the rehab process. I still have months to pitch so just try to help this team. It’s definitely frustrating because I was feeling really good over the winter.”
The Mets have rotation depth in Paul Blackburn and Tylor Megill, both of whom are options to replace Montas in manager Carlos Mendoza’s planned six-man rotation.
