Mets manager Carlos Mendoza spoke on a variety of topics before Saturday night's meeting with the Brewers. Here's what he said…
Frank change for Montas
While the Mets are entrusting Frankie Montas to deliver a starter's workload on Saturday night, the veteran right-hander won't face the Brewers' top hitters immediately. Reed Garrett has been assigned as the opener, with Montas slated to follow in bulk relief duty.
The adjustment to Montas' routine was predictable, as he's struggled mightily during the first inning this season. In seven starts since coming off the injured list, he owns a bloated 6.43 ERA with three doubles and two home runs allowed in that first frame. Leadoff hitters are also hitting a collective .333 against him.
"It's not a secret, it's been a struggle for Frankie the past couple of outings," Mendoza said. "We're just trying to go with one of our bullpen arms to face the top of the lineup, and the goal is for Frankie to go through the middle innings and win us a ballgame. The stuff has been there. Now it comes down to executing, pitch selection. That's what we all need."
Montas' delayed entrance in this bulk-relief setup could be beneficial, but the Mets' patience with him must be wearing thin. The 32-year-old has been largely ineffective on the mound, as he's given up 12 earned runs across his last two outings (8.1 innings). Montas also hasn't logged a quality start.
It's unclear how long Montas' leash truly is, but the Mets have two budding prospects — Nolan McLean and Brandon Sproat — who could assume rotation roles if called upon. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns was asked about the future of both youngsters on Friday, and said they're "putting themselves in the position" for a big-league promotion.
Can Cedric entertain?
The Mets are still waiting to see the All-Star version of Cedric Mullins, who's hit a measly 1-for-17 (.059) since being acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Orioles less than two weeks ago.
But the veteran outfielder's early woes in his new uniform aren't discouraging to Mendoza. He believes Mullins' timing at the plate is a little off and the six-game slump can be erased soon with consistent at-bats and some adjustments.
"I feel like he's missing some good fastballs to hit. We know he's a good hitter," Mendoza said. "We've just got to get him back on track, especially against fastballs… This is a guy who's been in the league for a long time. As we continue to get to know him, we'll find out more. But in the meantime, we're counting on him… There's a lot he brings to the table."
It's been a strange 2025 campaign for Mullins, who's been the epitome of streaky. In spite of his meager .221 season average, he wrapped up July hitting a sharp .290 with 10 extra-base hits across a 23-game span. The warm weather doesn't guarantee results, though — he hit just .156 in June.
Blackburn nearing closer
The plan for Paul Blackburn's potential return to the majors remains unclear, according to Mendoza, but the veteran right-hander took another step forward in his rehab assignment on Friday night.
In his fourth start with Triple-A Syracuse, the 31-year-old allowed three runs on seven hits while striking out three across 5.2 innings. Blackburn also improved to 5-1 with a 2.55 ERA in eight Triple-A outings this season — four have come in his rehab stint that began in mid-July.
"I know he pitched yesterday. I haven't heard anything from him today," Mendoza said. "We've just got to wait for the next couple of days to see what we've got… We're getting close to make that decision, and we'll make that decision when we have to. But he continues to feel good. Let's wait for the next couple of days to see what's the next step."
Mendoza also couldn't offer a clear update on Tylor Megill, who threw live batting practice on Thursday and remains on track ot begin a rehab assignment soon.
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