Adam Rubin of ESPN reports that Rafael Montero has thrown live batting practice and is due to enter a game this week.

This will be the first time Montero pitches since suffering a left oblique strain on June 14th and leaving the Vegas game after only five pitches.

Prior to being placed on the DL, the right-hander was 0-1, with two ND, and allowed four earned runs on 13 hits, allowing six walks and striking out eight batters in 8.2 innings pitched.

Hopefully he can come back healthy and regain the confidence that propelled him to his major league debut with the Mets earlier this season.

(Photo Credit: Brad Barr/USA TODAY)