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Future Is Now: Mets' Rafael Montero To Make Majors Debut Wednesday

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- How's this for a debut?

Right-handed pitcher Rafael Montero -- arguably the Mets' No. 2 prospect behind Noah Syndergaard -- will make his major-league debut on Wednesday against the Yankees at Citi Field.

Jenrry Mejía has been demoted to the bullpen, and prospect Jacob deGrom could be added to the bullpen in the next three or four days.

Montero, 23, signed with the Amazin's as an international free agent on Jan. 20, 2011.

In eight starts for Triple-A Las Vegas this season, Montero was 4-1 with a 3.67 ERA in eight starts. He struck out 41 and walked 18 in 41 2/3 innings pitched.

"We understand it's a debut on a big stage," general manager Sandy Alderson told reporters on Monday. "...We think he's ready now."

Mejía is the "best resource" to help New York's struggling bullpen, Alderson told reporters on Monday.

The 24-year-old Mejía started off the season brilliantly, but hasn't been effective of late. He's had a trend of starting strong and then faltering midway through the game.

Despite his 3-0 record, the right-hander's ERA has ballooned to 5.06 following three consecutive subpar outings. In seven starts he's struck out 38 and walked 20 over 37 1/3 innings pitched.

Alderson also confirmed that New York does not have a clear-cut closer at this time.

"Who's our closer? Good question," the GM said. "But it's not Mejía ...We don't have a guy we can count on in the ninth inning and that colors everything."

DeGrom, 25, has gone 4-0 with a 2.58 ERA in 38 1/3 innings pitched for Las Vegas this season.

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