NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets moved struggling right-hander Frankie Montas to the bullpen Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million deal in December, suffered a strained right lat in spring training and has been ineffective since returning to action. He posted a 12.05 ERA in six rehab appearances and was 3-2 with a 6.38 ERA in eight games, including seven starts, for the Mets.

Montas has not pitched more than 5 2/3 innings for the Mets, who haven’t gotten more than six innings out of a starter — with the exception of David Peterson — since June 7. In that span, New York is 22-31.

The Mets have lost seven straight games heading into Tuesday’s series opener against the Atlanta Braves and trail NL East-leading Philadelphia by six games.

Montas last pitched Sa

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