Arizona Diamondbacks Move Jordan Montgomery to Bullpen Amid Struggles
The Arizona Diamondbacks have made a surprising move, shifting left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery from the starting rotation to the bullpen. Montgomery, who signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Diamondbacks this past offseason, has experienced a dramatic decline in performance this season. His ERA has ballooned to 6.44 through 19 starts, a far cry from the 3.20 ERA he posted last season while splitting time between the Cardinals and Rangers. The move comes as a shock given Montgomery’s previous success, including his role in the Texas Rangers’ World Series victory in 2023.
Key Takeaways:
- Montgomery’s move to the bullpen marks a significant shift for the Diamondbacks as they aim to maintain their strong position in the National League West standings.
- The team’s decision highlights the pressure of maintaining a winning record and the difficult choices that come with managing a talented pitching staff.
- Montgomery’s struggles point to the unpredictable nature of baseball and the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.
Montgomery’s Decline and the Diamondbacks’ Response
Montgomery’s struggles extend beyond just his ERA. The 31-year-old pitcher’s second-half performance has been particularly concerning, with him allowing 14 earned runs in his last four starts. This drop-off in performance has raised significant concerns for the Diamondbacks, who are looking to make another deep run into the playoffs after their World Series appearance in 2023.
"Jordan Montgomery’s reputation obviously spoke for itself when we signed him," Diamondbacks Manager Torey Lovullo explained to Arizona Sports’ "Burns & Gambo." "He won a world championship, and he’s had some good moments. But with 34-35 games left in the season, I have to make these tough decisions in the best interest of this team. So as difficult as it was, I felt like he accepted it. He didn’t love the decision. He’s going to go to the bullpen and help us win games there."
Although the decision was undoubtedly difficult, Lovullo’s statement emphasizes the team’s commitment to winning. The Diamondbacks, currently holding the second spot in the National League West standings and leading the wild card race, need to ensure every player is contributing to their success.
A Look Back at Montgomery’s Recent History
Montgomery’s move to the bullpen signifies a dramatic shift for the veteran pitcher, who has primarily served as a starter throughout his career. He was sought after by multiple teams during the off-season, including the Boston Red Sox who were reportedly interested in him. Ultimately, the Diamondbacks secured his services on a one-year deal, hoping to capitalize on his previous success.
However, this season has not unfolded as planned. Montgomery’s struggles raise questions about the longevity of his success and whether his previous performance was an outlier. While his 2023 campaign was impressive, his consistent struggles in 2024 raise doubts about the sustainability of his pitching ability.
Potential Impact of Montgomery’s Move
Montgomery’s move to the bullpen will have a ripple effect on the Diamondbacks’ pitching staff. The team will need to adjust their rotation, potentially giving opportunities to younger pitchers or utilizing other players in specific situations. The move also raises questions about the future of Montgomery’s role on the team.
Will he be able to adapt to a new role effectively? Will he be able to regain his form and contribute meaningfully in the bullpen? These questions remain unanswered, although the team’s decision to move him to a relief role suggests a lack of confidence in his current form.
Looking Ahead
While Montgomery’s move to the bullpen may seem unexpected, it signifies the Diamondbacks’ commitment to remaining competitive. The team’s current position in the standings demands immediate results, and the decision to re-allocate Montgomery’s role in the pitching staff reflects this need.
It remains to be seen how the Diamondbacks will utilize Montgomery in the bullpen and what impact this move will have on his individual performance. This unexpected move highlights the challenges and opportunities that come with navigating the complexities of a season and managing a talented roster.
