The Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday effectively admitted that their big offseason addition has been a massive failure.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo announced Friday that pitcher Jordan Montgomery is being moved to the bullpen. The move will allow Ryne Nelson to keep his spot in the rotation after out-pitching Montgomery.
Montgomery was brought in during the spring to reinforce the Diamondbacks rotation as they tried for another run at the World Series. The club has held up its end of the bargain — as it are well-positioned to make the playoffs — but Montgomery has not contributed at all. In 19 starts this season, the veteran southpaw has posted a 6.44 ERA, with opponents hitting an unfathomable .315 against him. It has been brutal for a while, with some fans having turned against him weeks ago.
Montgomery was a Scott Boras client who did not get the contract he wanted and wound up having to sign a one-year deal with a vesting option on March 26, just before the start of the season. That option did vest once Montgomery made 10 starts for Arizona, so they will have him again next year whether they like it or not. Unsurprisingly, Montgomery has sought new representation in the wake of his disastrous offseason.
Several Boras clients, including Montgomery and two-time Cy Young winner Blake Snell, misplayed the market and were forced to take short-term offers late in the spring, disrupting their regular prep work. While Snell was able to turn his season around, it hasn’t happened for Montgomery.
