NEW YORK -- The New York Mets moved struggling right-hander Frankie Montas to the bullpen Tuesday.
The 32-year-old Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal in December, suffered a strained right lat in spring training and has been ineffective since returning to action. He posted a 12.05 ERA in six rehab appearances and was 3-2 with a 6.38 ERA in eight games, including seven starts, for the Mets.
Montas has not pitched more than 5 2/3 innings for the Mets, who haven't gotten more than six innings out of a starter -- with the exception of David Peterson -- since June 7.