Jordan Montgomery is pitching well for the Yankees since joining the rotation. But, is worth a waiver wire add moving forward?
The Yankees are rolling, and even though the offense has gotten most of the praise, the rotation is the real key to their success. One huge revelation is the solid performance from rookie Jordan Montgomery. But, is he worth a waiver wire add?
Jordan Montgomery was drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 draft after pitching for the South Carolina Gamecocks. The 21-year-old lefty entered the Yankees’ system not as a top prospect due to his stuff, but he was a projectable back-end of the rotation/swing man type of arm.
Montgomery may not throw 100 mph, but he flew through the minor league system to the tune of a 2.57 ERA over 57 starts. Entering this spring training, the Yankees had no choice but to have him in the running for the fifth rotation spot. But, his outstanding spring earned him the nod heading into the season.
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Over five starts and 28 innings, Montgomery has not surrendered more than three runs in any start, while posting 26 K. He is coming off one of his better starts as a major leaguer as well, limiting the Cubs to only three hits and two earned runs over six innings.
The key to Montgomery’s success this season, is that he attacks hitters and throws strikes. He has notched a 65% strike rate this season and a 63% first strike rate. His fastball tops out at around 94 mph, but he can throw his curveball, changeup and cutter for strikes.
He is limiting the long ball against him as well, with only two homers surrendered this season. Montgomery’s stuff plays against both lefties and righties but has been nearly lights out versus LHH as they have only mustered a .167 AVG against him. Righties are responsible for both homers, but they are also only hitting .250 off of him this season.
Digging further into his batted ball profile, Montgomery is only allowing an 18% LD rate, 41% GB and 42% FB rates. The FB rate is a tad high, but the lowered LD rate and high GB rate allows him to stay out of trouble.
Moving forward, Montgomery is a solid waiver wire add. The Yankees are playing well and his consistency is a major part. He has shut down some of the better lineups in baseball this season, so all signs are pointing up. He does get another tough test this week against the Astors in New York. But, while Houston has fared much better versus RHP this season, they only are hitting .242 versus LHP.
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Jordan Montgomery can offer solid innings and decent K numbers for fantasy owners moving forward. He will continue to face tough tests as the seasons goes along, but his attacking mentality and solid arsenal pose a great mix for him to succeed. Do not be afraid to roll the dice on Montgomery.