The Texas Rangers could soon be faced with an important pitching decision after veteran left-hander Jordan Montgomery delivered an encouraging performance during his latest rehabilitation assignment. Following a disappointing outing in his previous start, Montgomery responded with one of his most effective rehab appearances, raising the possibility that he may be nearing a return to the major league roster.
Montgomery has spent the past several weeks working his way back from Tommy John surgery, gradually building strength and endurance through a series of minor league starts. While his recovery has included a few setbacks, his latest performance suggested he is making meaningful progress toward being game-ready.
Originally, Montgomery was scheduled to pitch on Friday for Triple-A Round Rock. However, rain forced the postponement of that contest, leading to a doubleheader on Saturday. The veteran took the mound in the opener and delivered exactly the type of outing the Rangers hoped to see after struggling in his previous appearance.
His last rehab start on July 18 was his roughest since beginning the assignment in late June. In that game, Montgomery allowed seven hits and six earned runs while recording only seven outs, making it clear that he still had work to do before returning to the majors. The Rangers were looking for a strong response, and Montgomery answered the challenge.
Against Albuquerque, the left-hander worked 4.1 innings, his longest outing of the rehab process. He surrendered five hits, one earned run, and two walks while striking out three batters. Although the stat line itself was solid, the most encouraging aspect of the outing may have been his workload.
Montgomery threw 75 pitches, with 44 landing for strikes. Reaching the 75-pitch mark is often viewed as a significant milestone for starting pitchers recovering from injury because it generally indicates they are stretched out enough to handle a regular major league start. While additional evaluations will determine whether he is fully ready, reaching that workload represents an important step in his rehabilitation.
The Rangers entered the second half of the season hoping Montgomery could eventually become part of the rotation once again. Since beginning his rehab assignment on June 21, the veteran has steadily increased his pitch count and innings, and after seven rehab starts, he appears to have checked another major box in his recovery.
Texas could certainly benefit from additional starting pitching depth. The club has been dealing with injuries that have tested its rotation throughout the season.
Jack Leiter remains sidelined after undergoing ankle surgery, leaving another opening in the starting staff. Meanwhile, Cal Quantrill has struggled to consistently provide quality outings while filling in. With limited alternatives currently available, the Rangers could receive a significant boost if Montgomery proves capable of returning soon.
Adding an experienced starter like Montgomery would provide more stability for the rotation during an important stretch of the season. His familiarity with pressure situations and previous success with Texas make him an attractive option once the organization believes he is fully healthy.
Montgomery played an important role during the Rangers’ championship run in 2023, providing valuable innings in both the regular season and postseason. His experience and ability to pitch deep into games helped solidify the rotation during that title-winning campaign.
Because of that history, the Rangers understand what Montgomery can contribute when healthy. However, they also recognize the importance of exercising patience during his recovery from a major elbow procedure.
Manager Skip Schumaker recently emphasized that the organization has no intention of rushing Montgomery back simply because there is an immediate need in the rotation. The club wants to ensure that he is physically prepared before facing major league hitters again.
The same cautious approach is being taken with another left-handed pitcher, Cody Bradford, who is also progressing through his own rehabilitation assignment. Bradford recently made another rehab start and is believed to need at least a couple more outings before he is considered ready for activation.
Even with that conservative mindset, Montgomery’s latest outing creates an interesting question for the Rangers’ coaching staff and front office.
If a pitcher has built his workload to approximately 75 pitches, completed his longest rehab appearance, and bounced back impressively after a poor outing, does promoting him truly qualify as rushing the process?
That is likely the discussion Texas will have over the coming days.
The organization must balance its desire to strengthen the rotation with its long-term commitment to protecting Montgomery’s health. Returning him too early could increase the risk of setbacks, but waiting too long could mean missing an opportunity to improve the pitching staff during a critical point of the season.
His latest start certainly strengthened his case. Montgomery displayed improved command, limited damage despite allowing several hits, and successfully handled the longest workload of his rehab assignment. Those are all encouraging indicators for a pitcher working back from Tommy John surgery.
While there is no guarantee he will immediately rejoin the Rangers, his progress suggests the finish line may be approaching. If he continues to recover without any physical issues following Saturday’s outing, the Rangers may soon feel confident enough to activate him.
A return as early as next weekend is no longer out of the question, although the club will likely evaluate how Montgomery recovers between starts before making any final decision.
Ultimately, the Rangers appear to have reached an encouraging stage in Montgomery’s rehabilitation. After an uneven stretch that included one particularly difficult outing, he responded with the kind of performance that inspires confidence. His increased pitch count, improved effectiveness, and ability to work deeper into the game all point toward meaningful progress.
Whether the Rangers decide to activate him immediately or schedule another rehab appearance, Montgomery has given the organization reason to believe he is closing in on a return. For a team seeking reliable starting pitching depth as the season enters its most important stretch, that development could not come at a better time.
