The Atlanta Braves’ bullpen is definitely in the middle of a period of transition. Losing AJ Minter in free agency and Joe Jimenez to injury were massive blows to their depth and now we have some real questions as to what is wrong with closer Raisel Iglesias. Rather than target one big name to address the problem, Atlanta has opted for a quantity of potential options approach with Rafael Montero being among the names in the mix.
Many were understandably skeptical when the Braves traded for Montero. While he does get some swing and miss and had a good season with the Astros a few years ago, but his performance since signing a massive reliever contract was famously terrible and Houston couldn’t wait to get rid of him.
As it turns out, the Astros were on to something and the Braves can’t seem to fix Montero’s issues. With better options in similar roles on the roster, the Montero Experiment needs to end and soon.
Rafael Montero simply can’t be relied upon and the Braves should recognize that soon
Thursday’s extra innings win over the Reds was a classic example of the Montero experience. After an excellent start from Spencer Schwellenbach, Montero came into the game in the seventh inning trying to hold a 2-1 lead. After getting a lineout to start the inning, Montero then walked a batter, gave up a double, and then walked another batter to load the bases. Brian Snitker mercifully brought Dylan Lee in who limited Cincinnati to just one run in the inning, but the damage was done.
This was not a one-off situation with Montero as his issues finding the strike zone go back to his days in Houston. However, they have been particularly pronounced with the Braves. In the 8.2 innings across 11 appearances Montero has made for the Braves, he has walked 11(!) batters. You just can’t have that from a reliever no matter how good their stuff can look at times.
Moreover, Atlanta just has better options available to them for the middle relief role that Montero currently occupies. Pierce Johnson can be relied upon in high leverage situations and has been brought in to put out more than a few fires. Newcomer Enyel De Los Santos has had a couple rough outings, but has a very similar profile to Montero used in the same situations and is far more reliable.
So what purpose does Montero have on the Braves beyond just another arm? The answer is probably none. If Atlanta just wants a guy to occupy space, there are other options in the minors they can bring up who aren’t as likely to implode as Montero is.
