Mets RHP Rafael Montero has a complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and will likely need Tommy John surgery, the team announced Thursday.
Montero dealt with pain in the elbow during Tuesday's outing against the Cardinals, when he allowed two runs (one earned) in 1/3 of an inning.
The 27-year-old Montero, who is out of options, was unlikely to make the 25-man Opening Day roster as one of seven or eight relievers.
With Montero being out of options, the Mets would've had to pass him through waivers if he didn't make the roster, which made him a potential trade candidate before Opening Day.