Mariners: Not Just a Spot Start for Montgomery?

With the Mariners’ pitching staff struggling mightily in recent weeks, is Mike Montgomery the answer hidden in plain sight?

It’s no secret that it has been a struggle lately for the Mariners pitching staff, particularly their starters. In fact, Mariners starters went from averaging 6 1/3 innings pitched per start in April, 6 in May, 5 1/3 in June, and all the way down to a dismal 5 in July coming into tonight’s game against the Royals. It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise–the M’s are missing two of their best three starters in Taijuan Walker and Felix Hernandez. Wade Miley has spent time on the DL recently as well. Many have probably already forgotten Adrian Sampson, who was placed on the 60 day DL the other day. While frustrating for the team and for the fans, the disaster can be viewed as an opportunity by some.

Lefty reliever and Mariners starter in 2015, Mike Montgomery will be the next pitcher to get a chance when he’ll be given a “spot start” on Sunday for Walker. Of course, “Monty” is still coming out of the bullpen, so he may not be under the same sort of pressure as a Wade LeBlanc or a David Rollins; two pitchers that are competing for their livelihoods and a big league contract. Monty has his place as a power lefty long reliever on the team, but could he be more?

It was around this time last year that Montgomery had to be on top of the world. To be exact, on July 1st we were talking about a man that just threw a one-hit complete game shutout. It was his 2nd shutout in a row in his 6th game pitching for the Mariners. Mike was spot on with his fastball then, only throwing for around 92 mph, but with a very good curve and change, and usable cutter. Monty would eventually lose the feel for his fastball, and his job as an M’s starter.

Jun 30, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Mike Montgomery (37) and catcher /

Monty is pitching out of the bullpen this season, boasting an ERA of just 2.15 and a 1.05 WHIP. Wildness early in the season may have cost the Mariners a game or two. However, It appears he could be returning to the form he showed then in 2015, when he was so dominant. Could he be returning to the rotation after just one spot start? Probably not, but let’s say he throws 7 shutout innings, do you not run him out there again for another try? As it is in baseball, you NEVER really know ANYTHING for sure when it comes to predicting a player’s success. We will have to see to find out, and I am excited for his start Sunday against the Astros in Safeco, going into the break.