Chicago Cubs: Does Mike Montgomery become a trade chip this winter?

With a plethora of starting pitching options in the mix, the Chicago Cubs may very well give Mike Montgomery what he wants – a full-time starting gig.

Where would the Chicago Cubs be without the contributions of Mike Montgomery? With Yu Darvish still sidelined, the left-hander continues to fill a spot in the rotation. Thursday marks his 12th start in lieu of the team’s injured ace – and he’s done nothing but hold his own.

Montgomery carries a 3.50 ERA as a starter – a stark contrast from a 5.33 clip out of the pen. His strikeout-to-walk ratio and opponent batting average both compare favorably in this regard, as well. As many headlines as the Cubs’ rotation has garnered this season, somehow the work of Monty continues to go largely unnoticed.

This season, Montgomery has focused on incremental improvements and taking care of himself. As he approaches a career-high in innings pitched, his health looms as a big concern in the final two months.

“I learned my lesson each year. I might have been distracted. I didn’t have the role I maybe wanted and it affected my pitching negatively. I realize whether it’s tweaking a few pitches here and there, and making sure I’m physically better, that’s what my focus is right now.”

Last offseason, Montgomery pushed for a more defined role on the Cubs staff. But, ultimately, a view that placed winning above personal preference prevailed. He opened the year in the Chicago bullpen. But, by the end of May, he assumed Darvish’s spot in the starting rotation.

Chicago Cubs: Is the workload taking a toll?

In the month of June, the left-hander was lights-out on the mound, pitching to a 2.83 ERA in his six starts. July hasn’t been as kind, though, and it might be due to the aforementioned workload. Regardless, for more than one reason, the Cubs need him to finish out 2018 on the right foot.

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At least for the time being, he’s pretty much the option for that fifth spot in the rotation. Tyler Chatwood is in the pen trying to figure his life out. Drew Smyly is not yet ready to take the hill – although he’s getting close.

Whether or not he factors into the rotation this season is anybody’s guess. But if he doesn’t, it’s on Montgomery to get the Cubs into October. Let’s say he keeps doing what he’s done – pitches to a 3.50-3.90 ERA in August and September. With Cole Hamels and, potentially Yu Darvish, in the mix – Montgomery isn’t going to start in the postseason.

“When I started here, you’re in the bullpen, and you might be in the role you want, but you realize that we’re on a team that won a World Series. We’re one of the best teams in baseball. Do I have individual goals? Yes, but being a part of a special organization, you have to balance those two, and no matter what if you’re a good player or a good pitcher, you’ll find time to play no matter what.”

But he could pay dividends nonetheless.