The good news with Rafael Montero is that he seems to be healthy, the bad news is that he is allowing too many baserunners and isn’t striking anyone out in the Dominican Winter League. Last night he went two-thirds of an inning allowing three runs (two earned) on two hits and a walk. The Leones del Escogido would go on to lose 8-3 to the Toros del Este with the bullpen giving up eight runs including four by Fernando Rodney and the three by Montero.
I talked to a team official that was at the game, he said Montero was mainly hitting 91-93 MPH with his fastball and 83-84 with his breaking ball. The big damage of the night came on a RBI triple by Abraham Almonte (Cleveland Indians) on what looked like a flat 89 MPH two-seamer. He has now pitched 6.2 innings in winter ball, allowing three earned runs on six hits, four walks, and striking out three.
Dario Alvarez came into the game in the 7th inning to face one batter (lefty Carlos Peguero) and struck him out swinging. Alvarez has been great in the playoffs going 2.2 scoreless innings with six strikeouts.
Johnny Monell continued his good postseason play with a 2 for 3 night with a walk for the Criollos de Caguas. He is now hitting .385 during the playoffs while splitting time between catching and being the designated hitter.
Xorge Carrillo failed to register a hit for the second straight night going 0 for 3 but reached via a hit by pitch. Carrillo is 0 for 6 in his last two games and yet is still hitting .360 during the Mexican Winter League playoffs for the Aguilas de Mexicali.
Perhaps Montero should take a meeting with Mejia?
As long as he is healthy. He pitched less than 30 innings, in no rhythm all year. Full ST and a Vegas assignment to get him on track.
He has to po’d. spring of 14 it was ravi, jake and then thor. verrett was an after thought.
He will be fine, him being healthy is the big issue.
Good point, this is like a rehab assignment for him and still getting use to pitching in relief.
Michael; the rumor mill says Montero’s physical health is not his only issue. Meanwhile, I’ve always liked his stuff and his command. I hope he gets it all together.