Mets place Rafael Montero on DL with rotator cuff inflammation

NEW YORK -- As the New York Mets put pitcher Rafael Montero on the disabled list Thursday, they also announced that it will be another week or more before David Wright will be ready to come off the DL.

Montero, who pitched well Monday in Miami in his first major league start of the season, has inflammation in his rotator cuff. The Mets are convinced that the injury isn't serious, and general manager Sandy Alderson said Montero could even recover in time to be a consideration the next time the Mets decide to use a sixth starter.

Wright, sidelined with what the Mets called a mild strain of the right hamstring, was eligible to come off the DL on Thursday. Instead, he was given a day off from rehab work at the Mets' complex in Port St. Lucie, Florida. Alderson insisted that Wright had not suffered a setback, although he admitted that Wright had hoped to return sooner.

"David, I think, was hoping he could push the envelope," Alderson said.

The Mets' current plan is to have Wright play in a minor league game sometime next week. They don't expect to have him back for the two-game series at Citi Field against the Baltimore Orioles next Tuesday and Wednesday, but they say he could play in the series that begins May 8 in Philadelphia.

The Mets announced late Thursday night that they plan to recall 21-year-old second baseman Dilson Herrera from Triple-A Las Vegas, giving them another infield option while they wait for Wright to return from the disabled list.

The Mets originally announced that Montero would be optioned back to Triple-A after Monday's start, but that changed because of the shoulder issue. Montero is expected to join Las Vegas when he is ready to pitch again.