The trouble started in the third — with the Mets up by a run — when Jung Hoo Lee singled to lead off the inning, stole second and reached third when Francisco Alvarez’s throw got away from Lindor at second. Lee scored on Patrick Bailey’s liner up the middle.

The Mets have developed a reputation for being able to fix back-end rotation arms, turning them into frontline starters. They might have struck out on Frankie Montas.

"He's got to be better. He knows that," manager Carlos Mendoza said when asked if Montas' role going forward was up for discussion.