Houston Astros captain hints downgraded, high-priced reliever could return

The Houston Astros pitchers have not had as good numbers this season as in previous years.

When they signed Josh Hader, they thought this bullpen would become the best unit in the league, like the Astros before it, but their former closer Ryan Pressly took longer than expected to adjust to his new role.

This was because the performance of some other weapons did not meet their expectations.

Rafael Montero was one of those whose problems were clearly evident, with a 4.70 ERA that prompted Houston to send him to the minor leagues after he had just finished a season in which he had a 5.08 ERA.

Given that he had signed a three-year, $34.5 million contract through 2023, the fact that he was no longer part of the team’s major league bullpen was a major concern.

However, it sounds like there is a chance he will be promoted in the near future.

Accordingly Michael Schwab from Juice Box JournalManager Joe Espada has hinted that Montero could potentially be promoted as part of the September call-ups.

The right-hander has pitched well in Triple-A, not allowing a single run in his six appearances. Perhaps the most positive sign is that he seems to have regained his control, walking just one batter while allowing 14 strikeouts in six innings, bringing his WHIP to 0.67.

His lack of control and low strikeout rate have been a major problem for him in the MLB this season.

In 41 games, he averaged 4.5 walks per nine, while his strikeout rate per nine was 5.4, the lowest of his career.

Once Montero finds his form again, he will be an important weapon for Houston down the stretch.

When the Astros won the 2022 World Series, he was one of their most reliable relievers with a 2.37 ERA in his 71 appearances, lowering that number to 1.93 in his 10 playoff appearances.

Houston already brought back Hector Neris for the final period to add to that unit, so if Montero can play well to play his role, they should have the shutdown backend bullpen they envisioned with Hader, Pressly, Neris, Montero, and Bryan Abreu.