The New York Mets reportedly picked right-hander Dillon Gee over prospect Rafael Montero for the fifth spot in the rotation.
According to ESPN.com, the Mets went with Gee as the team sought a replacement for the injured Zack Wheeler, who is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery.
Gee, 28, was the Mets’ Opening Day starter in 2014. He was headed for a bullpen role before Wheeler hurt his elbow in spring training.
Gee likely will make his first start of the season on the road against the Atlanta Braves on April 10 or 11. He has produced a 2.49 ERA in 21 2/3 innings this spring. He is 40-34 with a 3.91 ERA in 106 career appearances (103 starts) for the Mets.
The right-handed Montero is expected to open the season in the bullpen. He pitched six scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins on Monday and has a 2.40 ERA this spring.
The Mets will start Bartolo Colon, Jacob deGrom and Matt Harvey during a season-opening series against the Nationals in Washington starting Monday. Jonathon Niese and Gee will make their season debuts against the Braves in Atlanta.