Mets notes
Bullpen strides earn Montero another start
SAN FRANCISCO — Rafael Montero’s disappointing Mets career will receive yet another shot at revival Sunday, when he is scheduled to face the Giants at AT&T Park. In need of an arm to get the Mets through their six-man rotation for the final time before reverting to a more traditional alignment, manager Terry Collins is counting on the unpredictable right-hander to give the team a chance. Montero bombed in his two previous starts this season, pitching to a 10.80 ERA against the Marlins and Pirates, but has shown recent progress in a mop-up role from the bullpen. He combined to pitch 6 2/3 innings against the Nationals and Dodgers in which he allowed one run on three hits. “These last two relief outings, he’s pitched very well, so we just hope he takes what he’s done into [Sunday],” Collins said before the Mets beat the Giants 5-2 on Saturday. “He’s always changed speeds, but right now, he’s getting ahead in the count.”
Montero is taking Zack Wheeler’s turn in the rotation. Wheeler was placed on the disabled list last week with right biceps tendinitis, but the Mets are hopeful to have him next weekend to pitch against the Phillies. The expectation is Wheeler will throw a side session in Miami within the next few days to test his arm.
Michael Conforto returned to the bench — after only one start — because Collins wanted Curtis Granderson in the lineup against Johnny Cueto. Entering play, Granderson had three homers in 15 at-bats lifetime against the Giants’ righthander. Granderson’s contribution didn’t come until the eighth inning, when he tripled against reliever Sam Dyson and scored the go-ahead run. Conforto delivered a pinch-hit RBI single the following inning.
Collins may give Yoenis Cespedes a day off Sunday but said he will wait to discuss the situation with his star outfielder.
The Mets’ 42 homers in June are a club record for the month. The previous record was 40 homers in June 2006. The franchise record for homers in any month is 45, set in August the past two seasons.