The Mets have signed some relief for small league contracts, they announced Sunday, a day after they were dealt a major blow.
Mike Montgomery, who recorded the final for the Cubs in their first World Cup championship in 108 years, and Tommy Hunter were invited to the spring practice after news that top reliever Seth Lugo would miss the start of the season due to elbow surgery.
Since his most famous moment in 2016, the 31-year-old Montgomery has struggled. The left had a 5.06 ERA in one start and two relief (5.1 overs) for the Royals during the shortened 2020 season and was 3-9 with a 4.95 ERA in 33 games in 2019.
Hunter began his career as an appetizer, but has been a serviceable reliever since 2013.
The 34-year-old referee was 0-1 with the Phillies last season. He had a 4.01 ERA in 24.2 overs.
Lugo, 31, is likely to be out until May due to a leg sprain in his throwing elbow.
His absence, combined with the recent DFA of right-handed Brad Brach, means there may be some jobs available in the spring training, which begins when pitchers and catchers in Port St. Louis on Wednesday.