SEATTLE -- As a rookie last season, Mike Montgomery raised more than few eyebrows among the Mariners faithful when he threw back-to-back shutouts, including a one-hitter.
Now less than a year later, the 26-year-old left-hander is making the transition from starter to reliever and early-season indications have been positive.
Montgomery, who finished 4-6 with a 4.60 ERA in 16 starts for the Mariners last season, has not allowed a hit in three innings in his first two relief appearances, including a perfect ninth inning Saturday night in a 6-1 loss to Oakland.
"Mike's been off to a really good start," said Mariners first-year manager Scott Servais.