Mariners Position Battle Update: 5th Starting Pitcher

Apr 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton (65) throws against the Texas Rangers during the first inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Mike Montgomery (37) throws out a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Mike Montgomery (37) throws out a pitch during the first inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Montgomery – LHP

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Monty missed the first couple weeks of spring training after undergoing a procedure to remove a cyst from his neck. However, he made his first Cactus League start on Saturday night against the Cincinnati Reds. Monty fared very well in his spring debut, allowing 2 hits and 1 walk through 3 shutout innings. He also tallied a pair of strikeouts.

The 26-year-old left-hander was a pleasant surprise for M’s fans last season. Montgomery went 4-6 while posting a 4.60 ERA across 16 starts as a rookie in 2015. His season was highlighted by back-to-back complete game shutouts against the Kansas City Royals and the San Diego Padres. He struggled as the season progressed, but he showed flashes of brilliance.

Next: Mariners Position Battle Update: Backup CF/ 5th Outfielder

The Mariners swapped Erasmo Ramirez for Montgomery prior to the start of the 2015 season. Monty exceeded expectations, but he appears to be on the outside looking in right now. He is out of minor-league options, and he would have to clear waivers if Seattle decides to demote him to Tacoma at the end of spring training. The M’s could also opt to transition Montgomery to the bullpen in an effort to create a spot on the opening day roster for him.