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Mets' Frankie Montas shutdown from throwing due to high-grade lat strain

The Mets will have to tap into their starting rotation depth earlier than expected.

Right-hander Frankie Montas has been shutdown for 6-to-8 weeks due to a high-grade lat strain.

Montas felt some soreness following his first side-session last weekend, and after being evaluated by trainers the next day they decided to have him undergo imaging, which unfortunately confirmed the worst.

The veteran now faces a long road to recovery, and he's headed to New York to receive a PRP injection.

Losing Montas this early into camp is certainly a big blow for the Mets, as he was expected to play a big role alongside Sean Manaea, Kodai Senga, Clay Holmes, and David Peterson in their starting rotation.

The trio of Paul Blackburn, Tylor Megill, and Griffin Canning were competing to join that group as the sixth starter but now they'll be leaned on even more with another opening coming about.

While the depth will face a big test early on, Carlos Mendoza remains confident in they'll get the job done.

"There's a reason why they are here," Mendoza said. "We've been talking about it all offseason. We know in order to get through 162+ we're going to need 8-to-10 guys, and here we are. It's nothing new for us, guys will step, guys will get opportunities. We feel good with the options we have."

One arm who will not be considered for a rotation spot is Jose Butto, as he continues working out of the bullpen.

Top prospect Brandon Sproat could develop into an option down the line, but the organization would like to see him get some work in Triple-A to begin the year after he struggled following his promotion to that level at seasons end.

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