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In a move that’s sent shockwaves through the baseball community, left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery has announced that he will undergo Tommy John surgery next week, effectively ending his 2025 season before it even truly began. Montgomery, who was brought on board by the Arizona Diamondbacks with high expectations, has faced a rollercoaster of performances, leading to this pivotal moment in his career.
Montgomery signed a one-year, $25 million contract with the Diamondbacks after a stellar 2023 season where he played a vital role in helping the Texas Rangers clinch the World Series. However, his transition to Arizona did not unfold as planned. The 32-year-old pitcher posted a troubling 6.23 ERA over 25 appearances in 2024, leading to his demotion to the bullpen in August. Despite exercising a $22.5 million player option for this season, his grip on a starting rotation spot became tenuous as his spring training performance faltered considerably.
In the most recent spring training games, Montgomery's outings were less than flattering, logging a staggering 15.00 ERA across just two games. His struggles on the mound have coincided with the Diamondbacks' attempts to find potential trade options, but those discussions are now on hold as he prepares for surgery. The timing of this operation not only complicates his season but also raises concerns about his future as he heads into free agency after this year.
The decision for Montgomery to undergo Tommy John surgery is not new territory for the pitcher; he previously had the procedure in June 2018 while with the New York Yankees, from which he made a comeback after an arduous recovery. This second surgery, however, casts a shadow over his future prospects in Major League Baseball.
As the Diamondbacks now face a season without Montgomery, they still boast a competent pitching rotation, including talents like Corbin Burnes, Zac Gallen, Eduardo Rodriguez, and Brandon Pfaadt. This depth will be crucial for Arizona as they aim to improve upon their third-place finish in the National League West last season. Montgomery's absence, while significant, may not sink the team's aspirations, but it certainly adds to the challenges they face in the competitive league.
Despite the unfortunate turn of events, Montgomery’s career is far from over. He has a commendable record over eight MLB seasons, with a career 4.03 ERA across 166 appearances. The key for him will be recovery and return to form post-surgery. If history is any guide, players who are diligent in their rehabilitation often come back stronger, and Montgomery will need to leverage all his experience and resilience to reclaim a spot in the big leagues once he’s healthy.
In light of this news, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Montgomery’s recovery unfolds and what it means for his future in baseball. The looming question remains: Will Montgomery be able to bounce back and continue his career after this major setback? Only time will tell.
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