Veteran Pitcher Jordan Montgomery Returns to Rangers

Veteran left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery has returned to the Texas Rangers after recovering from elbow surgery. The Rangers have activated him from the 60-day injured list, and he will begin his comeback as a relief pitcher.

Montgomery was an important part of the Rangers’ historic 2023 season, when the team won its first World Series championship. He joined Texas during the 2023 season after being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals and quickly became a key pitcher for the team.

During the 2023 regular season, Montgomery made 11 appearances for the Rangers and finished with a 4-2 record and a 2.79 earned run average (ERA). He also performed well during the playoffs, helping Texas win the American League Championship Series and then the World Series.

After leaving Texas, Montgomery signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks. However, he suffered an elbow injury and later underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024. The surgery kept him away from Major League Baseball for a long period.

Montgomery returned to the Rangers at the beginning of spring training as a free agent. Since then, he has been working through his rehabilitation and preparing to return to major league action.

The Rangers made the move before their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles. To make space for Montgomery on the roster, Texas designated right-handed pitcher Nolan Kingham for assignment.

Rangers manager Skip Schumaker said Montgomery will initially work out of the bullpen. Right-handed pitcher Cal Quantrill will also be used as a reliever for the time being.

Quantrill had been starting games since June after Jack Leiter was placed on the injured list. His place in the starting rotation will now be taken by left-hander Cody Bradford.

Bradford recently returned from elbow surgery and has already made his first start since late 2024. His return gives the Rangers another option for their starting rotation.

Montgomery has already made eight minor league appearances during his recovery. He has shown encouraging form recently, giving up only one run over his last two starts, covering 9 1/3 innings.

The Rangers will likely be careful with Montgomery as he continues his comeback. Starting in the bullpen will allow the team to control his workload and slowly build his confidence and strength after the long injury layoff.

Montgomery has played eight seasons in Major League Baseball with the New York Yankees, St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks. He has a career record of 46-41 with a 4.03 ERA in 166 games, including 161 starts.

His return gives the Rangers an experienced pitcher who already knows the team and has performed well in important games. Fans will now be watching closely to see how Montgomery performs as he begins the next stage of his comeback.