Mike Montgomery proved that he can be a serviceable fifth starter — if not better — when given the opportunity. As things currently stand, though, he has his work cut out for him in terms of making the Chicago Cubs starting rotation in 2019.
Montgomery filled in admirably for Yu Darvish — last offseason’s prized acquisition —when the latter went down with a triceps injury in May last year.
Reliable, but no room
In 19 starts last season, Montgomery posted a 3.69 ERA with a 1.352 WHIP. In seven of those outings, the left-hander pitched exactly six innings, allowing one earned run or less each time.