WASHINGTON — This is part of the equation now for these Mets as they head for the top of the stretch. This is an essential part of the deal. If you’re going to throw kids, untested kids, at the National League wild-card chase day after day, every now and again you’re going to be reminded why that isn’t exactly ideal.
Rafael Montero got himself good and smacked around Monday night at Nationals Park, much of it due to his own terror at throwing strikes (four walks), the rest of it thanks to his insistence on proving exactly why he’s so reluctant to throw them (a three-run game-clincher to Anthony Rendon, a solo shot to Mat Latos, the opposing pitcher).