Montero opts for surgery

PORT ST. LUCIE — It was the eighth inning Tuesday against the Cardinals and Rafael Montero was trying to protect a Grapefruit League lead for the Mets. He threw a pitch and felt something “weird” in his elbow. He threw five more pitches and was lifted, having given up a hit and a walk in one-third of an inning.

Now he is headed for Tommy John surgery to repair a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Montero, who faced the very real prospect of being released by the Mets following an unimpressive spring, admitted the inevitable Friday, that he is opting for surgery and is looking to 2019. Montero will return to New York on Sunday, consult with doctors Monday then decide when and where to undergo surgery.

“I’m ready to take the surgery. It’s a situation I just want to get rid of it and be ready for next season,” said Montero, 27, who pitched to a 9.00 ERA in seven spring training games and because he is out of minor league options could have been cut by the organization.

Montero, whose four seasons with the Mets have produced a 6-16 career record with a 5.38 ERA, claimed he felt no discomfort prior to his last game.

“It was in the last game against St. Louis that I felt something weird in my elbow. I didn’t pay much attention to it,” said Montero, speaking through a translator. “I just threw a couple pitches after that and then I went out of the game for regular reasons and then the day after that I woke up with my elbow swollen.”

So there was no buildup. Just pain — weird pain — after throwing.

“It was after one pitch. I felt it and then I just threw five pitches after that and [manager Mickey Callaway] took me out of the game. But for game reasons not [for] something else I felt in my elbow,” Montero said.