The Mets signed a pair of relievers for secondary league contracts, they announced on Sunday, the day after suffering a major blow to their bullpen.
Mike Montgomery, who scored 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 Seth Lugo would miss the start of the season due to elbow surgery.
Since his most famous moment on the mound in 2016, Montgomery, 31, has struggled. The lefty had an ERA of 5.06 in one match and two relief appearances (5.1 entries) for the Royals during the shortened 2020 season and went 3-9 with an ERA of 4.95 in 33 games in 2019.
Hunter started his career as a starter, but has been a useful reliever since 2013.
The 34-year-old righty went 0-1 with the Phillies last season. He had an ERA of 4.01 out of 24.2 entries.
Lugo, 31, is likely to be out until May due to a spur on his throwing elbow.
His absence, combined with right-handed DFA Brad Brach’s recent DFA, means that there may be some jobs available in spring training, which begins when pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday in Port St. Lucie.