Montero Or Gee? Competition For Final Spot In Mets' Rotation Is Heating Up
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The competition for the fifth spot in the Mets' rotation is heating up.
When Zack Wheeler was lost for the season earlier this month, it was assumed -- and subsequently announced -- that consistent right-hander Dillon Gee would enter the rotation in his place.
But 24-year-old Rafael Montero is making things very interesting for manager Terry Collins and general manager Sandy Alderson.
Montero continued to bolster his case on Monday, allowing two hits in six scoreless innings against the Marlins. He struck out six and didn't issue a walk.
"There's certainly a presumption that Dillon's the guy, and I'm not sure that that's changed," Alderson said on Monday. "But Montero has done everything he can to change that presumption, so we'll just have to see."
Montero has a 2.40 ERA in 15 innings pitched this spring. He's allowed just 11 hits and has displayed fantastic command, striking out 14 and walking two.
"I'll tell you what I've seen the last two times from Rafael Montero, and that is what everybody's been telling me about," Collins said. "Last year, for whatever reason, we did not see the command of his stuff that we've seen the last two times against two very good teams.
"I think we may have to make the best judgment we can make as we get toward the weekend of who it's going to be. I'll stand by what I said: Dillon Gee, to me, is a guy who's been over .500 on a team that hasn't been over .500, and that's got to be a huge consideration. But I'll tell you, Rafael Montero is certainly making a play for it."
Gee hasn't exactly disappointed down in Florida. He's impressed the Mets as well, pitching to a 2.49 ERA in 21 2/3 innings. He hasn't been as sharp as Montero, however, recording eight strikeouts and eight walks.
"That's something we'll talk about over the next two or three days," Alderson said. "But Dillon has the experience and has been successful. Montero has the upside as a young guy. He demonstrated today that when he pitches and has location and uses all of his pitches, he can be outstanding.
"Sometimes he gets lost in the shuffle ... but he quietly performs, and really has done so all spring."
The pitcher who doesn't crack the starting five is expected to be on the opening day roster and come out of the bullpen.
