Mariners Analysis: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Jun 7, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Mike Montgomery (37) throws the ball against the Tampa Bay Rays during the fourth inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Up: Mike Montgomery

Well, I certainly didn’t expect this from the 25-year-old southpaw, but boy am I pleasantly surprised. If he can keep this up, it looks like the M’s might have actually come away a winner in a trade! The former Tampa Bay Rays prospect has been called up because of James Paxton’s injury, and he was phenomenal this week. He sported a 2.08 ERA after allowing just three runs in thirteen innings.

Monty’s strong showing over the last 7 days may give the M’s some intriguing options come the trade deadline. If the Mariners are sellers, I would look for them to put Hisashi Iwakuma on the trade block (if he can get healthy and pitch well when he comes back) to a contender for a young hitter. If the M’s become buyers they could shop Montgomery and see what they could get in return. Either way, he has been very impressive and has exceeded even the most lofty expectations.

Next: Jack Z