Frankie Montas miserable rehab numbers arent worrying him with Mets debut looming

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.Frankie says relax. Despite posting a gruesome 12.05 ERA over his six minor league rehab appearances, Frankie Montas said Monday there is no need to fret as his Mets debut approaches. “Adrenaline is going to kick in,” said Montas, who is scheduled to start against the Braves on Tuesday.

“The numbers weren’t what I wanted, but health-wise it’s been pretty good.And to be honest I feel like I am ready to go out there and compete.” Montas, who arrived on a two-year contract worth $34 million that includes an opt-out after this season, joins a rotation in need following his rehab from a high-grade lat strain that has kept him sidelined since spring training. The Mets in the past 1 ½ weeks have placed Kodai Senga on the injured list with a right hamstring strain and lost Tylor Megill to elbow inflammation.

The team went one start with rookie Blade Tidwell last Friday until Montas was ready. But Montas’ last two rehab starts in particular for Triple-A Syracuse were hardly inspiring.Included was a clunker in which he lasted only 1 ²/₃ innings and surrendered eight earned runs.

He followed with a final performance in which he allowed five earned runs over five innings. “I really wasn’t worried about the numbers,” Montas said.“I was worried about trying to work on my pitches so when I get here I am ready to go and have no limitations.” In 30 starts for the Reds and Brewers last season, Montas pitched to a 4.84 ERA over 150 ²/₃ innings.

The right-hander appeared in only one game for the Yankees the previous season following shoulder surgery. Montas, whose lat strain was diagnosed in February, said he isn’t surprised it took him this long to return. “It was a big injury, kind of serious,” Montas said.“They took the time and they did an amazing job getting me back to my old self.

My [velocit...