PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — Right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas, who recently joined the New York Mets with a two-year, $34 million free-agent deal in December, is set to be sidelined for a duration of six to eight weeks due to a strained back.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza announced on Monday that Montas is suffering from a high-grade lat strain and will be traveling to New York for an injection to treat the injury. Once this period of rest concludes, Montas will need to undergo a preparation phase similar to spring training, which means he is unlikely to take the mound for the Mets until at least May.

This setback adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Mets’ starting rotation, which underwent significant changes over the past offseason. Mendoza emphasized that Montas’ situation does not rule out the possibility of maintaining a six-man rotation for the team. “We’ve got options,” Mendoza stated. “It’s still too early. We will continue to have those conversations.”

The Mets actively addressed gaps in their pitching rotation with key free-agent acquisitions, including Montas, Sean Manaea, Griffin Canning, and former All-Star closer Clay Holmes. They also reinforced their bullpen by bringing in A.J. Minter and re-signing Ryne Stanek.

Injuries have plagued Montas recently, as he missed a significant portion of the 2023 season due to shoulder surgery. Last season, he returned to action, recording a record of 7-11 with a 4.84 ERA while competing for both the Cincinnati Reds and Milwaukee Brewers.