Montas (ribs) could emerge as a rotation option for the Dodgers later this season, ESPN.com's Buster Olney reports.
With the Dodgers beginning the season with arguably one of the deepest rotations in the big leagues, Montas, whose fastball can reach the high 90s, seemed positioned to make his mark as a high-leverage reliever. That appeared an even likelier outcome after Montas required rib surgery in spring training, resulting in the Dodgers placing him on the 60-day DL prior to Opening Day. Montas appears to be close to full health after advancing through a rehab assignment at Double-A Tulsa and now Triple-A Oklahoma City, and while the Dodgers haven't spoken of their rest-of-season plans for the right-hander, there's a growing likelihood that he could get a chance to start some games for the big club. All of Brett Anderson (back), Hyun-Jin Ryu (shoulder), Brandon McCarthy (elbow), and Alex Wood (elobw) appear destined to be sidelined through at least the All-Star break, leaving the team scrambling for starting options. Moreover, top pitching prospect Julio Urias hasn't been nearly as successful since his promotion as the Dodgers have hoped, and if he continues to struggle as the team's fifth starter, Montas could be next in line for the rotation vacancy. The 23-year-old has dazzled since moving his rehab assignment to Triple-A, most recently limiting Nashville to one run Thursday while striking out six and issuing no walks. Montas still needs to increase his pitch count, but the early returns during his time in the minors give hope that he might be able to make an impact soon for the Dodgers.