Rafael Montero, one of the New York Mets top pitching prospects has been sent down to the minor leagues.  The move coming just one day after the Mets used their entire bullpen in a 14-inning loss to the Philadelphia Phillies.  Relief pitcher Buddy Carlyle has been re-called from Las Vegas to take the roster spot.

In four starts into his major league career, Montero holds an 0-2 record with a 5.40 ERA.  He hasn’t shown the consistency the Mets had hoped he would and had a difficult time with his command.

Friday night in Philadelphia, Montero’s line was: 3.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, and 0 K.

Things were certainly moving in the right direction his last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks.  The Mets lost the game but to no fault of Montero.  He gave up just one run and struck out ten which ended up being his best start to this point.

Expectations for Montero to succeed were extremely high and they still should be.  More time in Triple-A will be very beneficial for him to get back on track and focus on what it was that got him to the big leagues.

With this move, Daisuke Matsuzaka moves back into the rotation for the time being until Dillon Gee is ready to return.  This according to Mike Vorkunov of The Star Ledger.