November 12, 2022
The 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
September 6, 2022
Houston Astros relief pitcher
Rafael Montero picked up his 12th save of the season in Monday's 1-0 win over the Rangers. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning up by one and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. Montero has served as a solid fill-in closer while
Ryan Pressly (neck) has been on the injured list with neck stiffness and has now converted all but two save opportunities this season with a 2.54 ERA. Pressly is expected to return to the team early this week, which will hurt Montero's fantasy value. That being said, he may still see a few saves down the stretch and will still be worth a roster spot in roto leagues for fantasy managers chasing saves.
--Connelly Doan - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com
August 26, 2022
Houston 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
July 22, 2022
Houston 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
RADIO
