Jordan Montgomery will be looking to bounce back in 2025. He struggled mightily for the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2024, pitching to a 6.23 ERA in 117 innings and lost his rotation spot momentarily. His performance drew criticism from Ken Kendrick, who called the signing a disaster after the season.
For the first time since those comments, Montgomery had a chance to speak to the media. Jake Garcia of 12News captured the quote from the veteran left-hander.
"I'm the youngest of three boys, it's not really going to hurt my feelings. Last year was really the fist time I struggled in a long time. Baseball is a hard game and it's bound to get you, just had to deal with it and battle."
Jordan Montgomery addresses a tough year and a tumultuous offseason.
— Jake García (@Jake_M_Garcia) February 13, 2025
"I'm the youngest of three boys, it's not really going to hurt my feelings."
Other notes:
He views his spot in the rotation secure.
He's dealing with a index finger strain that he and doctors consider minor. pic.twitter.com/R0QZBdUelK
The Diamondbacks will be operating with a five-man rotation to begin the season. General manager Mike Hazen confirmed as such with Jack Sommers from Diamondbacks on SI. Hazen explained his decision as not wanting to disrupt the routine for his pitchers.
"But when you start going into two extra days, which happens when you have a six-man rotation plus an off day, now you may be throwing multiple pens in between I think that's where the routine gets dramatically altered for the starters sometimes."
The Diamondbacks face the problem of having seven starters trying to filter into five rotation spots. While they've yet to deal Montgomery in the offseason, his $22.5 million salary and previous track record likely allows him to command one of those spots. If no moves are made, they could have a pair of young starters on the outside looking in for a rotation spot.
Montgomery developed a left index finger injury that required imaging, but the injury appears to be mild and they'll manage it as they go. Missing time in spring can be amplified when it comes to stretching out starters, as it takes roughly five outings for them to ramp up to 85 pitches. The Diamondbacks are hoping he has a normal spring and be ready for the start of the season on time.