PHILADELPHIA — Rafael Montero was the biggest loser from the Mets’ 14-inning loss to the Phillies on Friday.
With the Mets in desperate need of a fresh arm after exhausting their bullpen, rookie fireballer Montero was optioned Saturday to Triple-A Las Vegas to create roster space for veteran reliever Buddy Carlyle.
“It’s really a move made out of necessity,” assistant general manager John Ricco said before the Mets beat the Phillies 5-4 in 14 innings at Citizens Bank Park — with Carlyle getting the win with three-innings of shutout relief.
“This wasn’t really something we talked about. But when you play a long game like that and you’re in the middle of a stretch with no off days, sometimes you have to make adjustments.”
Montero was 0-2 with a 5.40 ERA in four starts for the Mets. Daisuke Matsuzaka will move into the rotation and start in Montero’s place on Wednesday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Montero lasted just 3²/₃ innings against the Phillies on Friday and surrendered four runs, three of which were earned, on seven hits and two walks. The Mets lost 6-5 in the 14th inning after Chris Young dropped a fly ball for a two-base error, starting the Phillies’ winning rally.
Manager Terry Collins indicated Montero didn’t use all his pitches against the Phillies.
“He didn’t throw many changeups [Friday],” Collins said. “He’s got to use his pitches. At this level, if you limit the pitches to hitters, you better really locate, because if those hitters can eliminate one of your pitches from what they’ve got to look for, they can be dangerous.”
Juan Lagares was a late scratch from the starting lineup with rib cage spasms near his back.
Young took Lagares’ spot in center field, led off and went 1-for-6 with a run scored.
Lagares was used to sacrifice bunt in the 14th inning (he was unable to swing, according to Collins).
“I know it’s nothing bad,” Lagares said. “I was ready to go today and they gave me the day off.”
Lagares will be evaluated Sunday, according to Collins.
In need of more bullpen help after the marathons Friday and Saturday, the Mets will promote lefty reliever Dana Eveland from Triple-A Las Vegas for Sunday’s game. Eveland appeared in 14 games for the Orioles last season.
Collins had an animated discussion with first-base umpire Brian O’Nora late in the game regarding Jeurys Familia’s delivery, which is deemed a borderline balk move. The Mets were warned several times last season about Familia’s right leg, which buckles during his delivery.