Welcome to the hottest place in Arizona sports, the PHNX Newsletter! We're changing the way sports in our city are covered. As we continue to redefine what sports coverage means in state 48, our entire team is looking forward to providing you with the most interesting, well thought out and high-quality content that matters to you.
Jordan Montgomery adjusting to new role with Diamondbacks
|
Jordan Montgomery made his first bullpen appearance in more than five years on Tuesday. "It was weird," he said. -Jesse Friedman Jordan Montgomery adjusting to new role with DiamondbacksEntering the season, the notion of Jordan Montgomery pitching out of the Diamondbacks' bullpen would have sounded preposterous. Last year, Montgomery posted a 3.20 ERA in 188 2/3 innings in the regular season and played a big role in the Texas Rangers' World Series run. When the Diamondbacks signed him to a one-year, $25 million deal just before the season started, they hoped that he would add stability to a starting rotation that still had some question marks. Suffice it to say that is not how things have worked out. In 19 starts with the D-backs this year, Montgomery logged a 6.44 ERA, 1.67 WHIP and 67 strikeouts to 36 walks in 95 innings. He was among the worst starters in the majors. Last week, the Diamondbacks decided to move Montgomery to the bullpen, allowing emerging right-hander Ryne Nelson to keep his spot. On Tuesday against the New York Mets, Montgomery made his first appearance in his new role. It was just the second bullpen appearance of Montgomery's career, and his first since September 2019 when he was working his way back from Tommy John surgery with the New York Yankees. Montgomery's first relief outing got off to a rocky start. Entering with the bases loaded and two outs in the fifth, he plunked the first batter he faced, forcing in a run. He then walked the next batter, scoring another run. But the veteran left-hander settled in nicely from that point forward. He ultimately went 4 1/3 innings, allowing no runs on five hits with a walk and two strikeouts. "I felt good," Montgomery said after the game. "Happened fast. Tried to get ready as quick as I could, and went out there a little too amped up, but guess it could have gone worse." Montgomery said that his normal pregame routine as a starter typically takes around 40 minutes. He only had about six minutes to get ready on Tuesday. Manager Torey Lovullo lauded Montgomery's adaptability. "I think a little bit of unfamiliar territory, comes in with the bases gassed and very little wiggle room," Lovullo said. "You just don't know what it's going to feel like when you get into that environment, in that situation. "Once he got through that first inning, I thought he did a good job attacking the zone. It was 4 1/3 [innings], 70 pitches. Did his job the way we want him to do his job. And I was really happy for him, very proud of him for making the adjustment, figuring it out." When asked about whether an outing such as this one could pave the way for an eventual return to the rotation, Lovullo said that it was possible. Montgomery eclipsing the 70-pitch mark on Tuesday means that he is still fully stretched should a need arise. For now, though, this is Montgomery's role. He is the Diamondbacks' long reliever. His job is to save the bullpen in lopsided games. It's a way for him to help the team, albeit in a much less meaningful way than both the Diamondbacks and Montgomery envisioned at the start of the year. "It sucks," Montgomery said of the move to the bullpen. "But I want to help the team any way I can. We're in a pennant race, and if I can be the long man and maybe turn myself into a leverage arm, get us some big outs and be a difference-maker that way, then that's just what I'll do this year." TRENDING NOWEveryone's PhantasyCome watch the PHNX Sports crew for the PHNX Phantasy Football Live Draft at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass! All 12 members of the PHNX Fantasy League will be drafting live at 6:30 pm! Join us for giveaways, drink specials, and immaculate vibes. YOU NEED INDEED YOU DO YOUQUOTE OF THE DAY |
PHNX
Welcome to the hottest place in Arizona sports, the PHNX Newsletter! We're changing the way sports in our city are covered. As we continue to redefine what sports coverage means in state 48, our entire team is looking forward to providing you with the most interesting, well thought out and high-quality content that matters to you.
The Diamondbacks already lost their series to the Colorado Rockies, but their playoff odds have held up more nicely than you would expect. -Jesse Friedman How dire are Diamondbacks' playoff chances after second straight loss to Rockies? Photo: Ron Chenoy/Imagn Images DENVER — Even with just 12 days left on Major League Baseball's regular season calendar, Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo does not spend much time looking at the standings. He typically waits till he goes to sleep to check...
Earlier this week, we took a look at reasons for optimism with this Suns team. Now it's time to address their lingering problem areas. -Gerald Bourguet 5 lingering concerns for Phoenix Suns in 2024-25 The Phoenix Suns feel like one of the more underrated teams in the Western Conference. The Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks have earned the benefit of the doubt, thanks to, respectfully: a recent championship and having the best player in the...
With the season winding down, the Diamondbacks have scored nearly 70 more runs than any other team in baseball. You'd best take a moment to appreciate it. -Jesse Friedman The 2024 Diamondbacks are the best offensive team in franchise history Photo: Rob Schumacher/The Republic Over the past couple of years, the Diamondbacks built a reputation as a small-ball team. They stole bases. They laid down bunts. They created chaos. But in 2024, the narrative of the Diamondbacks' offense has shifted....