Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option for the 2025 season Thursday, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.
Montgomery signed a deal with the Diamondbacks in March and didn't make his first start until April 19. He never seemed to get on track, however, posting a 6.23 ERA and 1.65 WHIP with just an 83:44 K:BB across 117 innings. Given his struggles, it's little surprise Montgomery exercised his option, and he'll look to rebuild his value in 2025 before heading into free agency.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Takes no-decision in Milwaukee
Rotowire
Montgomery didn't factor in the decision Sunday against the Brewers after giving up three runs on six hits with six strikeouts and two walks over 4.1 innings.
The left-hander generated 13 swinging strikes but was unable to get through five frames on 91 pitches. It was the second straight start for Montgomery after making four appearances out of the bullpen, and he's combined to allowed six runs on 12 hits with a 10:4 K:BB across nine frames in his two turns through the rotation. The 31-year-old could shift back to the bullpen for the final few games of the regular season if Ryne Nelson (shoulder) is able to return from the injured list this weekend against the Padres.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Headed for another start Sunday
Rotowire
Montgomery is listed as the Diamondbacks' probable starting pitcher for Sunday's game in Milwaukee, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.
Montgomery picked up his first start since Aug. 21 on Tuesday, joining the rotation as a replacement for the injured Ryne Nelson (shoulder). Though he had been pitching out of the bullpen for nearly a month, Montgomery still took on close to a typical starter's workload (4.2 innings and 79 pitches) while giving up three earned runs on six hits and two walks. Montgomery will likely shift back to the bullpen during the playoffs if the Diamondbacks should clinch a postseason spot, but he'll pick up at least one more start while Nelson is on the shelf.
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Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Loses in return to rotation
Rotowire
Montgomery (8-7) allowed three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out four over 4.2 innings to take the loss versus the Rockies on Tuesday.
Montgomery made his last four appearances out of the bullpen, posting middling results. He had two scoreless outings, but he allowed seven runs across his other two games in that span. The veteran southpaw has struggled to a 6.23 ERA, 1.64 WHIP and 77:42 K:BB through 112.2 innings over 24 appearances (20 starts) this year. Montgomery should get at least one more start due to the absence of Ryne Nelson (shoulder), with that outing projected to be in Milwaukee.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Joining rotation Tuesday
Rotowire
Montgomery is slated to start Tuesday's game against the Rockies at Coors Field, Jesse Friedman of GoPHNX.com reports.
As expected, Montgomery will return to the Arizona rotation as a replacement for the injured Ryne Nelson (shoulder) following a three-week stint in the bullpen. Montgomery shifted to a relief role after producing a 6.44 ERA over his 19 starts this season, and he didn't fare much better over his four appearances out of the bullpen (4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB in 13 innings). The southpaw covered three-plus innings in three of those relief outings, so he at least should be relatively stretched out as he re-enters the rotation Tuesday.
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Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Likely to join rotation
Rotowire
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo suggested Saturday that Montgomery is expected to re-enter the rotation as a replacement for Ryne Nelson (shoulder), who was placed on the 15-day injured list, Alex Weiner of ArizonaSports.com reports. "We feel very strongly that could be our best consideration, yes," Lovullo said, when asked if Montgomery would be added to the rotation. "We haven't yet announced it."
The Diamondbacks will need a fill-in starter for Nelson for at least two turns through the rotation. Montgomery's most recent outing came Wednesday, when he recorded a three-inning save. Since being moved to the bullpen in late August, the left-hander made four relief appearances, totaling 13 innings. Nelson had been scheduled to start Monday or Tuesday, and Montgomery should be a candidate to take the hill one of those days. It's unclear if Montgomery is stretched out enough to handle a typical starter's workload, however, so the Diamondbacks could end up deploying a long reliever such as Yilber Diaz behind him.
Diamondbacks' Jordan Montgomery: Collects three-inning save
Rotowire
Montgomery recorded his first career save in Wednesday's 14-4 rout of the Rangers, giving up two hits and a walk over three scoreless innings of relief.
An early exit for Merrill Kelly (hamstring) threatened to tax the Arizona bullpen, but after three other relievers covered the fifth and sixth innings, Montgomery breezed through the final three frames on 37 pitches (23 strikes). The veteran lefty hasn't had a smooth adjustment to long-relief duties, and over his last four appearances he's posted a 4.85 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 6:4 K:BB in 13 innings. Expect Montgomery to continue being used only in low-leverage situations.
