The Mets signed a few relievers to minor league contracts, they announced Sunday, a day after taking a major blow to their bullpen.
Mike Montgomery, who took the final for the Cubs in their first World Series championship in 108 years, and Tommy Hunter were invited to spring training after news that top illuminator Seth Lugo would miss the start of the season due to elbow surgery.
Since his most famous moment on the hill in 2016, 31-year-old Montgomery has been struggling. The left had a 5.06 ERA in one start and two relief appearances (5.1 innings) for the Royals during the shortened 2020 season and was 3-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 33 games in 2019.
Hunter started his career as a starter, but has been a serving reliever since 2013.
The 34-year-old right wing was 0-1 with the Phillies last season. He had a 4.01 ERA in 24.2 innings.
Lugo, 31, will likely be out until May due to a bone spur in his throwing elbow.
His absence, combined with the recent DFA of righthanded Brad Brach, means there may be a few jobs up for grabs in spring practice, which begins when pitchers and catchers report to Port St. Lucie on Wednesday.