'Much better': Montgomery takes step forward in rotation bid

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- At last, Jordan Montgomery could smile, something that has not been a common sight after outings for the left-hander since signing with the Diamondbacks just after the start of the 2024 regular season.

Yes, it was only a Spring Training backfield game attended by a few scouts and a handful of fans, but it was a step forward for Montgomery, who is looking to get back on track in his pursuit of the final spot in the Arizona rotation.

Montgomery threw 40 pitches over two simulated innings while facing D-backs regulars Geraldo Perdomo and Ketel Marte, along with reserve Ildemaro Vargas and last year’s first-round pick Slade Caldwell.

“Much better,” Montgomery said.

Montgomery’s first outing of the spring last weekend in Goodyear against the Reds was a rough one, as he retired just one batter while allowing five runs on two hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch.

Rather than throw in the Diamondbacks’ scheduled Thursday night game against the Mariners, the team elected to have him throw on a backfield for a pair of reasons.

The first was the threat of rain, which ultimately led to the game vs. Seattle being canceled. Montgomery is behind the other starters after missing time at the beginning of camp with a left index finger injury, so the team did not want to risk him falling another day behind with a rainout.

The second reason was it allowed them to control the environment. He would get to throw his scheduled 40 pitches and simulate an inning break. Pitching coach Brian Kaplan stood behind an L-screen just in back of the mound, where he and Montgomery could talk if his mechanics strayed.

In his outing against the Reds, Montgomery felt like he was rushing his delivery. This time around, he was able to slow it down.

“It’s like the hitters get in the box and you’re just trying to jump to the plate,” Montgomery said. “You’ve just got to be patient and let it happen. You aren’t going to throw strikes doing that. So just trying to break that habit.”

Montgomery’s fastball was around 90-91 mph during his outing and only a couple of balls were hit hard off him.

“Thought it was a step in a good direction,” Kaplan said. “Thought he felt confident. The second [inning], I thought he was even stronger, which was good. From where he was the first outing, this was definitely a nice step. He’s been working on it and he’s starting to feel it, being a little more in sync. Now, we can add a little more power and confidence in it. He’s getting there.”

Montgomery exercised his $22.5 million player option for 2025 after compiling a 6.23 ERA last year. With Arizona’s signing of free agent right-hander Corbin Burnes, Montgomery's spot in the rotation became vulnerable.

As it stands now, Burnes, Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly and Eduardo Rodriguez have spots locked up. That leaves Montgomery, Brandon Pfaadt and Ryne Nelson competing for the final slot.

Montgomery received some positive feedback from Perdomo, who told him that his two-seam fastball was “heavy” with late movement. He asked Montgomery why he didn’t throw it more.

“Because I’ve got to work on everything, Gerry,” Montgomery said with a smile.

The next step for Montgomery will likely come in a Cactus League game, Kaplan said.

Even with a delayed start to the spring, Montgomery still has time to be ready to start the fifth game of the season. First, though, he has to continue to make progress like he did Thursday.