This is the third bullpen session for Montas as he continues his throwing program following a lat strain he suffered in spring training. The veteran will need a full buildup, almost as a separate Spring Training, before he can be considered to rejoin the Mets rotation. The original plan was for him to return in early June, and if he progresses to a rehab assignment soon, that could still be in play for the 32-year-old.

Montas is playing catch but has yet to get on the mound as he makes his way back from a strained lat, so he’s still probably at least five or six weeks away from making his Mets debut.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza told reporters that Montas has begun throwing from 60 feet away. The right-hander will likely need a few bullpens and multiple rehab appearances before he’ll be ready to rejoin the Mets’ rotation at some point late in the spring, and that’s assuming no setbacks.

The Mets hope to have Montas back throwing in the first half of April and are aiming for a return to the rotation in late May or early June.