Just Mets

Earlier this week, Terry Collins said he would spend his off-day at the team’s minor league complex in Port St. Lucie.

One of the reasons for the visit, Collins said, was to oversee workouts from David Wright, Michael Cuddyer, Jerry Blevins, Erik Goeddel, and Zack Wheeler as they all continue their rehabiliation work under the watchful eye of rehab coordinator Jon Debus.

But another reason for his visit was to see and watch Rafael Montero, and he went there with a, “message” for his right-hander, who has mysteriously missed more than three months with what was perceived as a minor rotator cuff strain in his shoulder, and subsequent medical reports have continued to show no real issue in Montero’s shoulder.

So, Collins said his agenda was to motivate Montero to get himself on track and back to the Mets.

“You can call it that,” the manager explained. “I just want to see for myself.”

Message received?

Montero made his first appearance for the GCL Mets since July 20 on Thursday morning, hurling two innings and allowing one hit with a strikeout against the GCL Cardinals.

It’s not clear when Montero might make his next rehab appearance, let alone when he might be able to return to the Mets. He has hardly pitched in 2015, and while he’s spent the entire summer in Port St. Lucie working out, he needs to build his innings to become a useful piece, either as a spot starter or a bullpen arm on the Mets staff.

The Mets optioned Montero back to the minor leagues following his spot start in late April. But because the injury was sustained in a big league game, the option was rescinded and he was returned to the major league active roster and placed on the 15-day disabled list. He has since been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

In the meantime, Montero has been accruing big league service time while on the disabled list, and earning a major league salary as well.