Mets release LHP Mike Montgomery

The New York Mets announced on Sunday night that they had released a southpaw Mike Montgomery. The veteran had a retirement deadline today, March 28, in his minor league contract with the team.

While speaking with reporters after his exit earlier today, Montgomery said he has yet to make a decision and will discuss it with the team later.

The southpaw started Sunday afternoon against the Miami Marlins at Rodger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and struggled for the first time this spring. Montgomery allowed five runs on six hits while walking one and striking out two in 2.2 innings of work.

Previously, the 31-year-old was building up a pretty solid spring. Montgomery did not allow a run and struck out seven in his 4.2 innings pitched. Over the past few days, Mets manager Luis Rojas said the team viewed Montgomery as a swingman and a back-end option of the rotation.

You have to understand that this move probably increases the chances of right-handed Robert gsellman get the big league team out of the camp.

With the release of Montgomery and the other seven Sunday night cuts, the Mets now have 31 players in the Major League camp with just one day remaining in spring training.