The Mets signed a pair of lifeguards for minor league contracts, they announced Sunday, a day after receiving a heavy blow to their bullpen.
Mike Montgomery, who recorded the final for the Cubs in his first World Series championship in 108 years, and Tommy Hunter were invited to spring training after news that top reliever Seth Lugo would be missing at the start of the season due to elbow surgery.
Since his most famous moment on the mound in 2016, Montgomery, 31, has had problems. The left had an ERA of 5.06 at a start and two appearances in relief (5.1 innings) for the Royals during the reduced 2020 season and was 3-9 with an ERA of 4.95 in 33 games in 2019.
Hunter began his career as a starter, but has been a useful reliever since 2013.
The 34-year-old right was 0-1 with the Phillies last season. It had an ERA of 4.01 in 24.2 entries.
Lugo, 31, will likely be out until May due to a bone spur in his elbow that he threw.
His absence, combined with right-hander Brad Brach’s recent DFA, means there may be a couple of jobs in spring training, which begins when pitchers and captors report Wednesday in Port St. Louis. Lucie.