When a team’s ace goes down, everyone’s attention shifts to that one guy who would fill that opening. That man for the New York Mets was supposed to be Frankie Montas. The very expensive right-hander was acquired to give the rotation an important jolt. But his year has been a frustrating puzzle of stops and starts. With a spot now open, the pressure is on for his return.

In an interview, manager Carlos Mendoza pulled back the curtain on the team’s slow approach and passed a strong judgment on Montas’s bumpy development.

The talks of Frankie Montas started making rounds when ace Kodai Senga was diagnosed with a low-grade right hamstring strain on June 12. Losing a pitcher, who was putting up Cy Young-caliber numbers—7-3 with a league-leading 1.47 ERA, immediately created a high-profile opening in the rotation. Montas, an experienced $34 million veteran, would be the logical substitute. But his disastrous rehab outing, compiling a 13.17 ERA, complicated that simple plan.

When asked about Montas’s next steps after a rough outing, Mendoza laid out a clear ultimatum. “He’s going to get one more [start] in Triple A, and then we have a decision after that.” This isn’t just another rehab day; it’s a final audition. After allowing eight runs in just 1.2 innings in his last appearance, this next game will determine his immediate future with the big-league club.

Another decision has to be made in terms of his role. Mendoza admitted the team is undecided whether Montas will be a starter or a reliever upon his return. “Yeah, we haven’t made that decision yet. He’s got one more, and then we…have to make a decision there.” This probably signals that the team is not convinced he can handle a starter’s workload, especially after struggling to pitch deep into his rehab games.

Mendoza pointed out that there is no physical concern with his high-priced pitcher. “I wouldn’t say concern because, uh, physically he says he’s fine. So, it’s more mechanics and things like that…we’re hoping that, you know, we start seeing better results.” In other words, Montas isn’t injured; his pitching is simply broken.

This focus on mechanics is why the team is moving slowly. Montas apparently wanted to throw more pitches in his last outing to work through his issues. Mendoza confirmed the team denied that request. “But unfortunately, we couldn’t, you know, because then you put him at risk.” After Montas threw nearly 60 pitches in less than two innings, the team prioritized caution over his wishes, showing their commitment to a long-term fix.

Mets’ pitching prowess: A luxury of depth

This patient approach is a luxury the Mets can afford because their pitching staff has been otherworldly.

The present starting staff ranks first in all of Major League Baseball with a remarkable 2.74 ERA. Clay Holmes has been a revelation after being moved from a closer role, with a 7-3 record and a 2.87 ERA. Next to him, right-hander Tylor Megill (3.76 ERA) has been a dependable rotation presence, while David Peterson and Griffin Canning have rounded out the rotation effectively.

The team isn’t short on other options, as well. Paul Blackburn has already stepped in to fill Senga’s spot in the rotation. Meanwhile, fellow rehabbing injured starter Sean Manaea is doing just fine.

Beyond that, the Mets have top prospects such as Jonah Tong (1.99 ERA, Double-A) and Nolan McLean (1.98 ERA, two levels) dominating in the minor leagues. That depth means the team has no reason to rush a struggling Montas back into the fire.

As the Mets cruise along with the best record in the National League at 45-26, they are in a position of strength. Frankie Montas was a high-risk, high-reward signing, and right now, the risk is front and center. The team’s message is clear: His health is not an issue, but his performance is. His last rehab start is a true make-or-break outing. Will it signal the start of his Mets resurgence, or the last piece of evidence that this gamble isn’t paying off?