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MMN Pitcher Of The Week: Rafael Montero

By Pete Anselmo

April 15, 2014 No comments

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Rafael Montero has been nothing short of stellar to start his young season with the Las Vegas 51’s. When considering he’s made two of three starts in Cashman Field (a notorious hitting environment), his success has looked all the more staggering.

In his first start of the season on April 3rd, Montero stormed out of the gates tossing six frames and recording a win. He gave up only four hits and did not walk a batter while striking out five.

He appeared partially human in his second start of the season on April 8th against the Sacramento River Cats, giving up six hits, one walk and three earned runs in five innings. But when you look closer at his line, you’ll notice he struck out nine batters in those five innings.

In a rematch against Fresno on Sunday, April 13th, Montero took a no-hit bid into the 5th inning. After giving up a home run one out into the 6th inning, Montero was pulled from the game but his final line still looked pretty. He let up two earned runs but on just two hits while walking two and striking out four.

Through three starts and 17.1 innings pitched, Montero’s ERA sits at a gorgeous 2.60 with an eye-popping 18 strikeouts up against three walks.  He has been as advertised, if not better and has even out-pitched Noah Syndergaard to start the young season. Most, if not all scouts see Syndergaard as the better prospect but Rafael Montero is not making it an easy choice just three starts into the season. It won’t be long at all before Montero is taking the hill in Queens for his first major league appearance. Hang in there, Mets fans.

(Photo Credit: Jeff Roberson)

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