PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (WFAN) -- Mets right-hander Rafael Montero will likely undergo Tommy John surgery after completely tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing elbow, ending his season before it ever began, the team announced Thursday.
Once considered one of the Mets' top prospects, Montero, 27, has struggled in the majors and didn't figure into the Mets' plans much this year. After Montero started the spring 0-2 with a 9.00 ERA over seven appearances, the Mets had reportedly been seeking a trade partner for the pitcher, who is out of options.
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In parts of four seasons in the majors, Montero has gone 6-16 with a 5.38 ERA. Last season, he pitched in 34 games (18 starts) and went 5-11 with a 5.52 ERA.
Montero signed with the Mets as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2011.
