Concerns have emerged among New York Mets fans following starting pitcher Frankie Montas’s recent struggles, specifically after he allowed six runs on seven hits in just four innings during a 12-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, Montas believes that he and the Mets have identified the issues contributing to his underperformance.
MLB insider Andy Martino reported that Montas acknowledged he was tipping his pitches during both his regular-season debut against the Atlanta Braves on June 24 and in the game against the Pirates. Despite his recent setbacks, he managed to deliver five scoreless innings against Atlanta, although the Braves were evidently aware of his pitching patterns, as evidenced by their reluctance to swing at his splitters.
During the Pirates game, team members noticed that runners on second base were able to pick up cues about Montas’ pitches, leading to a detrimental impact on his performance. As a result, Montas believes he has made the necessary adjustments to eliminate this issue with his splitters and breaking balls.
Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Mets last December, was seen as a player who could greatly benefit from the team’s advanced “pitching lab.” The Mets now require Montas to regain his form swiftly to help rekindle the strong winning momentum they enjoyed earlier in the season when they held a record of 45-24.
Since then, the Mets have experienced a decline, recently slipping to a 48-38 record, before managing to secure a 7-3 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers. The team’s pitching staff has faced multiple injuries, leaving them in need of stable performances from their starters.
Montas is slated to take the mound again this Saturday in a home game against the New York Yankees, providing him an opportunity to demonstrate that his disappointing outing in Pittsburgh was just a temporary setback. With hope for improvement, the Mets are eager for Montas to bounce back and contribute positively to the team’s quest for a playoff spot.