The Diamondbacks have made a decision about their starting rotation and the fifth starter. According to John Gambadoro of the Burns and Gambo Show on Arizona Sports, Ryne Nelson will stay in the rotation, while struggling left-hander Jordan Montgomery will transition to the bullpen.
Jordan Montgomery will be headed to the bulllpen. Ryne Nelson will stay in the starting rotation.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) August 23, 2024
This move is not surprising given the recent performances of both pitchers and the need to secure wins. Nelson boasts a 2.73 ERA over his last 56 innings, while Montgomery has a 6.44 ERA across 19 starts this season. The Diamondbacks are entering a crucial 10-game stretch against the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Los Angeles Dodgers, all of whom are in the postseason hunt. These series could determine their playoff chances, so they need their best starting lineup.
Nelson got his chance to start this year due to an injury to Eduardo Rodríguez and Montgomery’s need for minor league work. Another injury allowed Nelson to keep his spot in the rotation, where he has made 21 starts, second only to Brandon Pfaadt. Although his season began poorly, he has improved significantly since June, with his cutter development aiding his performance by providing a change-up to his fastball. He is now emerging as a key future player for the team.
Montgomery, who was previously a reliable pitcher for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Rangers, has struggled in 2024. With the Diamondbacks heading towards the postseason, he has five weeks to prove his value for the playoff roster. While he has some experience in relief roles, his poor performance against right-handed hitters—who are hitting .327/.383/.539 against him—made him less effective as a starter. By moving to the bullpen, manager Torey Lovullo can use him in more advantageous situations. Montgomery now needs to show he deserves a postseason spot in the coming weeks.
