The New York Mets have moved struggling right-hander Frankie Montas to the bullpen. The 32-year-old Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal in December, suffered a strained right lat in spring training and has been ineffective since returning to action.

The Mets have used 14 starting pitchers over their last 53 games, yet only one of them has completed six or more innings in a contest: David Peterson. The Mets are 22-31 in that stretch, with non-Peterson starters combining for a 5.32 ERA.

Losers of seven straight, the struggling Mets are hopeful either Nolan McLean or Brandon Sproat can provide a rotation boost.