Montero (rotator cuff) was among those in the first group of players optioned to the minors by the Mets on Friday.
Montero was a longshot to head north with the team after missing most of last season with rotator cuff stiffness. His getting sent down early is a signal of his falling stature within the organization. Montero will need to show he is healthy and rebuild his credibility at Triple-A Las Vegas.