Frankie Montas’ tenure with the Mets has barely begun, and he’s already facing a setback. A high-grade lat strain has sidelined the right-hander before he could make his mark in Queens, casting doubt over his immediate impact.

Signed to a two-year, $34 million contract, Montas was expected to help stabilize a rotation in flux. Instead, he’s now in recovery mode, working his way back from an injury that could keep him out for a significant stretch. But if you ask Montas, he’s not panicking just yet.

According to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo’s X post, Montas spoke to reporters this week and shared a surprisingly upbeat update, mentioning he’s “already feeling better” following a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection. The Mets initially expected a lengthy absence, but Montas believes his no-throw period will last just 4-6 weeks—an optimistic timeline compared to the team’s cautious outlook.

“It’s not how you start,” Montas said with conviction. “It’s how you finish.” That mindset has defined his career.

Moreover, Lat injuries can be tricky. They require patience, rehab, and, in Montas’ case, a carefully managed throwing progression once he’s cleared to resume baseball activities. If all goes well, he could return sometime in the early summer, giving the Mets a much-needed reinforcement in the latter half of the season.

In the meantime, New York needs to plan out how they’ll manage the initial weeks of the season without Montas around. With uncertainties regarding the pitchers, Montas’ comeback in the rotation will hold importance. The question remains who else can hold down the fort?

How the Mets’ rotation adjusts without him

Montas not being around really highlights the Mets facing a challenging situation with their lineup depleted in a way right now; especially since Kodai Senga is out with a shoulder issue.

They’re depending on Luis Severino and José Quintana as their experienced pitchers. Severino a former All-Star struggled with the Yankees in 2023 with a 6.65 ERA before picking up towards the end; his performance has been up and down lately. On the other hand Quintana, now 35, dealt with injuries for a chunk of 2024 – again concerns about how well he can hold up for an entire season.

Beyond the veterans, the Mets will have to rely on Tylor Megill, and David Peterson to cover innings. None of them have proven to be consistent major league starters, making their early-season performances crucial. Joey Lucchesi who came from Tommy John surgery a few months back could be of help too; however, he is likely to be considered as a back-end option.

If the rotation faces challenges initially in the season, New York might need to look into trade options to make sure the pitching staff is steady. Shane Bieber (Guardians) or Dylan Cease (White Sox) – if their teams decide to sell. Another possibility is targeting mid-rotation arms from rebuilding clubs, such as Paul Blackburn (A’s).

With the NL East shaping up to be highly competitive, the Mets can’t afford to fall too far behind while waiting for Montas and Senga to return. Let’s hope that his optimism translates into a quicker return than expected.

Think NYM will be able to cope till then?