Jacob deGrom couldn’t have done much better.
Skipping the star right-hander’s turn in the rotation Monday night against the Marlins, the Mets got a solid return performance from Rafael Montero, who pitched five shutout innings in his first major league start in 16 months to help the Mets to a 2-1 extra-inning win at Citi Field.
Making his first major league appearance since April 19, Montero couldn’t emulate the ace’s routine dominance or stop the shakiness that has prevented the former highly rated prospect from cementing his place in the majors, but the spot starter overcame six walks and two hits to keep the scoreboard clean.