MIAMI — Rafael Montero’s return trip to Las Vegas will include a detour through New York.
The Mets right-hander is scheduled to be examined Thursday at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan after saying he had tightness in the back of his throwing shoulder Tuesday, when he made a spot start against the Marlins.
Montero pitched 5 ²/₃ innings in the no-decision and allowed three earned runs on five hits with six strikeouts and one walk. He was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after the game, but that move would be nullified if he needs a stint on the disabled list.
Manager Terry Collins said he was not told about Montero’s shoulder issue until after the game when the pitcher alerted trainer Ray Ramirez that he had discomfort.
Montero, who began the season in the Mets bullpen, was used for one start to provide extra rest for members of the rotation. According to assistant general manager John Ricco, the plan is to keep Montero in the rotation at Las Vegas.
“We talked to him [Tuesday] about staying as a starter and going into the Vegas rotation and keeping him in that role in the short-term,” Ricco said before the Mets lost 7-3 to the Marlins. “That was the discussion [Tuesday] night.”
David Wright, rehabbing a strained right hamstring, has been running in a straight line, but is yet to test his legs on the bases, according to Collins.
The Mets are hoping Wright can return from the disabled list by the start of Tuesday’s two-game set against Baltimore, but won’t push it if he’s not ready.
Jack Leathersich made his major league debut by allowing one hit in one-third of an inning.
The left-hander had a 2.57 ERA and struck out 13 batters in seven innings for Las Vegas.
“His strikeout ratio is very high,” Collins said. “And as we saw in spring training he’s got a good arm, so if he’s throwing strikes he will get outs here.”