Diamondbacks LHP Jordan Montgomery to start Tuesday vs. Rockies

Arizona Diamondbacks southpaw Jordan Montgomery will return to a starting role on Tuesday to face the Colorado Rockies.

Montgomery, who was moved to the bullpen after a 7.02 ERA (4.76 FIP) in 17 starts since the start of May, will start in place of Ryne Nelson, who was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation on Saturday, retroactive to Wednesday. This gives Nelson a small window to get one start in before the postseason, which would have to be in the team’s final series against the San Diego Padres.

The 31-year-old Montgomery was a key element in the Texas Rangers’ World Series run in 2023, pitching to a 2.90 ERA in 31 innings in the postseason. The Diamondbacks signed him just after Opening Day to a $25 million contract with a player option for 2025 currently vested at $22.5 million. In 23 appearances (19 starts) this season, Montgomery is 8-6 with a 6.25 ERA.

It’ll be Montgomery’s first start since Aug. 21, and he’ll face Rockies RHP Ryan Feltner, who has a 4.89 ERA in 27 starts this season. Southpaw Eduardo Rodriguez will start for the Diamondbacks on Wednesday.

Diamondbacks’ injury bug continues

In addition to Nelson going on the injured list, the Diamondbacks placed reliever Paul Sewald on the 15-day injured list on Sunday, retroactive to Thursday, because of neck discomfort.

He is eligible to return on Sept. 27 with three days left in the regular season. The team recalled right-hander Scott McGough from Triple-A Reno for extra bullpen help and optioned catcher Adrian Del Castillo to the minors.

After playing Colorado, the Diamondbacks will head to Milwaukee for a three-game set against the Brewers. Arizona will then host San Francisco and San Diego for three games each to conclude the regular season.

The Diamondbacks are currently six games back from the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West lead and hold the second wild card spot with the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves hot on Arizona’s tail.