New York Mets pitcher Frankie Montas took a significant step in his recovery from a strained right lat with his first minor league injury rehabilitation assignment. Pitching for Class A Brooklyn on Saturday, Montas allowed two runs, two hits, and two walks over 1 1/3 innings in a 10-8 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies' Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

Montas, a 32-year-old right-hander, threw 20 of 37 pitches for strikes. His outing began with a walk to Bryan Rincon, who subsequently stole second and third base. Montas then gave up a two-out RBI single to Matt Higgins, who scored on Kehden Hettiger's triple.

Montas signed a $34 million, two-year contract with the Mets as a free agent in December. After missing most of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery, he returned last season, posting a 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA while pitching for Cincinnati and Milwaukee. He has been sidelined since early in spring training and is currently on the 60-day injured list.

This rehab start marks a crucial milestone in Montas's journey back to the majors, as the Mets look to bolster their pitching rotation for the remainder of the season.