Chicago Cubs: Mike Montgomery struggles in first start with Royals

One pitch made the Chicago Cubs Mike Montgomery famous. He’ll always be remembered for that, and also for what he didn’t become. A reliable reliever that was dead set on wanting to be a starter.

When the Chicago Cubs traded Mike Montgomery for Martin Maldonado, on paper, it didn’t make sense. The Cubs had looked at Maldonado in the offseason, but he wanted regular playing time. Especially not behind Willson Contreras. Once Salvador Perez was ruled out for the season with Tommy John surgery, it appeared that Maldonado made the right choice.

Montgomery had always wanted to be a starter, even when he came from Seattle. But the Cubs had a bigger need in the bullpen, and that’s where they put him. He earned a few spot starts, and with injuries, Montgomery would see some extended time in the rotation. In the end, he was always pushed back into the pen.

In the spring, Montgomery had asked the Cubs to make a trade so he could have a chance to start. It wasn’t a demand, as that’s really not Montgomery’s style. So the Cubs front office kept an ear out. When Contreras was sent to the IL, a trade sort of fell into place. The Cubs had valued Maldonado during the offseason, and with Homer Bailey traded to the Athletics? The Royals needed a starter.

Just a few days after the trade, Montgomery would get his chance to start for the Royals–against the Cleveland Indians. After being 11 1/2 games out at one point behind the Twins, the Indians have battled back to just three games out of first place. They’re hot, Montgomery is fresh blood–and he ended the 2016 World Series against them. So they were ready for him.

Montgomery went just 2+ innings in his debut, allowing five runs on six hits, all earned. He struck out only one while throwing just 45 pitches. It wasn’t the ‘fresh start’ he was looking for. But the Cubs weren’t utilizing him, and the deal worked out for both teams.

The Cubs will still have some tough decisions to make in these closing days before the deadline. They still could use a lefty to replace Montgomery. A ‘leadoff’ hitter gets a lot of talk, and second base isn’t secure by any means. These last 10 days should be exciting, but not for everybody. (Subscription required)