Pitcher Jordan Montgomery took another step toward returning to the Texas Rangers' rotation with his third rehab outing, meaning he could be close to providing the starting rotation a boost.
The Texas Rangers may not have to wait much longer for help in the starting rotation.
Veteran left-hander Jordan Montgomery continued his rehabilitation assignment on Thursday, making his third start since returning from Tommy John surgery.
Pitching for Triple-A Round Rock, Montgomery allowed two runs on three hits over two innings while striking out three and issuing no walks.
He threw 39 pitches, including 26 strikes, as Texas continues to carefully increase his workload before activating him later this season.
Montgomery Building Toward Return
Montgomery signed with the Rangers on a one-year contract during Spring Training despite still recovering from elbow surgery. From the outset, the organization viewed the experienced left-hander as a potential second-half reinforcement rather than an immediate contributor.
Each rehab appearance has represented another step toward that goal.
Although his latest outing was limited to two innings, Montgomery demonstrated encouraging command by avoiding free passes and consistently working in the strike zone.
The Rangers are expected to continue stretching him out over the coming weeks before determining when he is ready to rejoin the major-league rotation.
A return shortly after the All-Star break remains a realistic possibility if his rehab continues without setbacks.
Rotation Could Use Reinforcements
Montgomery's progress comes at an important time for Texas.
The Rangers have been searching for dependable innings after losing Jack Leiter to the Injured List following ankle surgery.
In response, the club turned to Chris Paddack for a spot start, but the veteran right-hander was later designated for assignment, underscoring the team's ongoing rotation uncertainty.
Adding Montgomery back to the staff would provide an experienced starter capable of stabilizing the back end of the rotation during the second half of the season.
Bradford Also Trending in the Right Direction
Montgomery wasn't the only Rangers pitcher to make encouraging progress.
Left-hander Cody Bradford, who is also working his way back from an elbow injury, completed a live batting practice session before Thursday's game at Globe Life Field.
Bradford threw approximately 20 pitches over a simulated inning and reported that he was able to locate all four of his offerings -- his fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup -- for strikes.
While Bradford still has additional steps to complete before returning to game action, Thursday's session marked another positive checkpoint in his recovery.
With both Montgomery and Bradford advancing through their rehab programs, the Rangers could soon receive much-needed reinforcements for a pitching staff that has been tested by injuries throughout the season.
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