Astros' Rafael Montero: Pitching well to begin 2024
Rotowire
Montero allowed one walk and no hits while striking out one across a scoreless inning to earn a hold Saturday against the Nationals.
The Astros were projected to have a strong bullpen with Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu all leading the way in high-leverage situations. However, each has struggled to begin the new campaign, while Montero has now turned in nine scoreless performances in 11 appearances. He's pitched primarily in the sixth and seventh innings this season, though he could earn higher-leverage work given his solid start.
Montero (0-1) allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Saturday against the Mariners.
Montero was tasked with protecting a three-run lead in the eighth inning, and he retired the first two batters he faced. However, he allowed the next four batters he faced to reach base -- two of which were on infield singles -- to suffer the ugly line and his first loss of the campaign. Montero has otherwise been solid, as he had turned in scoreless appearances in 10 of his 14 previous opportunities.
Montero allowed a hit and tallied one strikeout in a scoreless inning to earn a save in Friday's win over the White Sox.
Montero was charged with a blown save in the eighth inning of Thursday's loss but was immediately given a shot to redeem himself. He worked around a one-out single by Tim Anderson to pick up the save during a 6-3 win. Ryan Pressly took a loss Thursday and did not pitch in Friday's game.
Montero signed a three-year, $34.5 million deal to return to the Astros on Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
Montero's emergence as a trustworthy high-leverage option helped the Astros to a World Series title. The veteran righty carried a career 5.18 ERA and 1.56 WHIP into last season but finished the year with a 2.37 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He also saved a career-high 14 games. The Astros have fully bought into this new version of Montero and now have him under contract through the end of his age-34 season. He should remain in a setup role behind Ryan Pressly to start the year but could claim the closer job if Pressly struggles or gets injured.
