2 years agoThe Houston Astros re-signed relief pitcher
Rafael Montero to a three-year deal worth $34.5 million on Saturday. Montero became one of the best high-leverage relief arms in the game in 2022, posting a 2.37 ERA (2.64 FIP), a 1.02 WHIP, a career-high 14 saves and 73 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings pitched in 71 relief outings during the regular season for the Astros. The 32-year-old right-hander was even better in helping the Astros win the World Series, as he allowed only two earned runs on five hits while walking six and striking out 10 in 9 1/3 innings in the postseason. Montero could see saves again in 2023, but he'll open the year as a high-end setup man ahead of closer
Ryan Pressly, still giving him plenty of fantasy appeal.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: ESPN.com - Jeff Passan
3 years agoHouston Astros reliever
Rafael Montero recorded his eighth save of the season on Thursday as his club defeated the Twins 6-3. He needed 16 pitches to retire the side in order as he issued a pair of groundouts and collected one strikeout in the clean performance. Montero has put together a fine season with a 2.56 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 55 K through 52 2/3 IP in a setup role for most of the campaign. With
Ryan Pressly landing on the IL earlier in the day, Montero figures to see most of the save chances moving forward with
Hector Neris and
Bryan Abreu acting as secondary options for save-hungry fantasy managers.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 years agoHouston Astros reliever
Rafael Montero recorded the team's final two outs during the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday to close out a 7-5 win over the Yankees. After
Brandon Bielak surrendered a three-run homer to
Aaron Judge in the ninth, Montero was called upon to finish the contest since closer
Ryan Pressly was placed on paternity leave earlier in the day. The right-hander allowed
Gleyber Torres to reach base on a single, but then got
Matt Carpenter to ground into a double play to end the contest. It was the seventh save of the campaign for Montero who is also sporting a crisp 1.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 39 IP this season. If Pressly were to miss extended time at any point this season, Montero would be the arm to target in the Astros bullpen.
--Riley Mrack - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
3 years agoHouston Astros relief pitcher
Rafael Montero picked up his sixth save of the season in Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Royals. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning with a three-run lead. He allowed a leadoff triple, then got an RBI groundout for the first out before striking out the next two hitters to end the game. Montero has pitched well this season, compiling a 1.93 ERA with no blown saves. However,
Ryan Pressly is clearly the team's primary option for closer, which limits Montero's fantasy value. Montero is still worth a look in deep roto leagues at this time for fantasy managers looking for any kind of save support.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
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