QUEENS, NY — Frankie Montas admitted that the writing was on the wall for his demotion to the Mets' bullpen.

The veteran starting pitcher, in the first year of his two-year, $34 million deal, owned a 6.68 ERA before manager Carlos Mendoza used an opener for his most recent appearance on Saturday in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Upon his entry into the second inning, he allowed three runs on three hits in three innings — uninspiring enough to trigger his demotion.

"Carlos hammered it out really good," Montas said on Thursday ahead of the Mets' series finale against the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field. "He let me know ahead of time so I can get myself prepared and also allow myself to get my mind prepared.I have a lot of respect for Carlos. If he thinks that's the best way I can help, then I

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