Veteran left-hander Jordan Montgomery took another encouraging step toward his return to the Major Leagues on Tuesday night, delivering a strong performance in his fourth rehabilitation outing for Triple-A Round Rock.
The Texas Rangers continue to monitor Montgomery’s recovery closely as the experienced starter works his way back from his second Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him after undergoing the procedure in March 2025.
Strong Outing Signals Continued Progress
Montgomery looked increasingly comfortable on the mound, tossing three scoreless innings while keeping opposing hitters under control throughout the outing.
The 33-year-old allowed five hits, struck out three batters, and, perhaps most importantly, did not issue a single walk, demonstrating the command that has long been one of his biggest strengths.
He completed his outing after throwing 40 pitches, including 26 strikes, while effectively mixing five different pitches to keep hitters off balance.
His sinker averaged 90.7 mph, another positive indicator that his arm strength continues to improve as he progresses through his rehabilitation program.
Building Toward Major League Return
Tuesday’s appearance represented Montgomery’s fourth rehab assignment since beginning his comeback, and each outing has brought him another step closer to rejoining the Rangers’ pitching staff.
The organization has been cautious with his workload, gradually increasing his innings and pitch count while evaluating both his effectiveness and recovery between starts.
If his progress continues without setbacks, Montgomery could soon be in position to make his long-awaited return to the Rangers’ rotation during the second half of the season.
Rangers Counting on Veteran Experience
Texas signed Montgomery to a one-year contract during Spring Training, fully aware that he would not be available at the beginning of the season.
The club viewed the signing as a long-term investment, hoping the veteran could strengthen its rotation once healthy and provide valuable experience during a potential postseason push.
That need has become even greater following the season-ending ankle injury suffered by promising young right-hander Jack Leiter, leaving the Rangers searching for additional starting pitching depth.
A healthy Montgomery would give Texas another dependable veteran capable of easing the workload on the rest of the rotation.
Looking to Rediscover Championship Form
Montgomery is aiming to return to the form that made him an important contributor during the Rangers’ 2023 World Series championship run.
His last appearance in a Texas uniform came in Game 2 of the 2023 World Series, where he played a key role in helping the franchise capture its first championship.
After that postseason, Montgomery joined the Arizona Diamondbacks, but his 2024 season proved difficult.
He finished the year with a 6.23 ERA over 25 appearances, including 21 starts, before eventually undergoing Tommy John surgery that ended his season and delayed the next chapter of his career.
Proven Track Record
Despite his recent injury struggles, Montgomery has established himself as a reliable Major League starter over the course of his career.
Across eight MLB seasons with four different organizations, he owns a 4.03 career ERA while earning a reputation for durability, consistency and the ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
His postseason experience and veteran leadership are additional qualities the Rangers hope will benefit a pitching staff aiming to remain competitive throughout the remainder of the season.
Return Could Come at Perfect Time
As Texas continues battling for postseason positioning, Montgomery’s return could provide a significant boost during the stretch run.
The Rangers have carefully managed his rehabilitation, and Tuesday’s scoreless outing offered another encouraging sign that the left-hander is nearing full strength.
While the organization has not yet announced a timetable for activating him, performances like this one suggest Montgomery is moving steadily toward reclaiming a spot in the Rangers’ starting rotation.
If he continues progressing at his current pace, the veteran could soon provide Texas with the experienced arm it hoped to add when signing him earlier this year, strengthening the club’s chances as the playoff race intensifies.
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