Mets reliever Bryce Montes de Oca, initially set to start the season on the injured list due to a stress reaction in his elbow, is now scheduled to have bone chips removed from the same elbow, according to a Tuesday report.
With this updated diagnosis, he is projected to be sidelined for approximately four months. The 26-year-old has pitched 2 1/3 innings in spring training, conceding three runs without allowing any hits, while issuing five walks and striking out four batters.
Hailing from Missouri, Montes de Oca debuted in the major leagues late last season, appearing in three games and giving up four runs over 3 1/3 innings. During that brief stint, the right-hander showcased his power, averaging nearly 100 MPH on his sinker and sitting in the mid-90s with his cutter.
His potent arsenal resulted in an outstanding 36.4% strikeout rate across 34 innings with Triple-A Syracuse, despite serious control issues, leading to a respectable 3.44 ERA at the top minor league level.
Though not guaranteed a bullpen spot for the season opener, Montes de Oca could have provided middle relief depth throughout the year. Now, any contributions he might make will have to wait until late in the season. The Mets can place him on the 60-day injured list when a 40-man roster spot is needed.
Montes de Oca previously underwent Tommy John surgery in high school and had another elbow surgery at the University of Missouri. Drafted by the Mets in the ninth round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Montes de Oca faced injury struggles and only made his major league debut in 2022, where he pitched 3 1/3 innings, giving up four earned runs.