Montero allowed one walk and no hits while striking out one across a scoreless inning to earn a hold Saturday against the Nationals.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros were projected to have a strong bullpen with Josh Hader, Ryan Pressly and Bryan Abreu all leading the way in high-leverage situations. However, each has struggled to begin the new campaign, while Montero has now turned in nine scoreless performances in 11 appearances. He's pitched primarily in the sixth and seventh innings this season, though he could earn higher-leverage work given his solid start.

Montero (0-1) allowed four earned runs on three hits and a walk to take the loss Saturday against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Montero was tasked with protecting a three-run lead in the eighth inning, and he retired the first two batters he faced. However, he allowed the next four batters he faced to reach base -- two of which were on infield singles --to suffer the ugly line and his first loss of the campaign. Montero has otherwise been solid, as he had turned in scoreless appearances in 10 of his 14 previous opportunities.

Montero allowed a hit and tallied one strikeout in a scoreless inning to earn a save over the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

Montero was charged with a blown save in the eighth inning of Thursday's loss but was immediately given a shot to redeem himself. He worked around a one-out single by Tim Anderson on Friday to pick up the save during the 6-3 win. Ryan Pressly took a loss Thursday and did not pitch in Friday's game.

Montero signed a three-year, $34.5 million deal to return to the Astros on Saturday, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montero's emergence as a trustworthy high-leverage option helped the Astros to a World Series title. The veteran righty carried a career 5.18 ERA and 1.56 WHIP into last season but finished the year with a 2.37 ERA and 1.02 WHIP. He also saved a career-high 14 games. The Astros have fully bought into this new version of Montero and now have him under contract through the end of his age-34 season. He should remain in a setup role behind Ryan Pressly to start the year but could claim the closer job if Pressly struggles or gets injured.

Montero picked up the save with a scoreless ninth inning against the Rays on Sunday. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out one.

EDGE Analysis

After getting the first batter to fly out to start the ninth inning, Montero allowed three of the next four batters to reach base and enable the go-ahead run to step up to the plate with two outs. All ended well, however, as he got Taylor Walls to ground out to second base to end the game and record his 14th save of the season. Over his last 10 appearances dating back to Sept. 9, Montero has allowed two earned runs over 10 innings with two saves and four holds.

Montero (5-2) earned the win Saturday against the Orioles. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one over one inning.

EDGE Analysis

Montero entered in the eighth inning with the game tied and gave up a single to Ryan Mountcastle to lead things off followed by a two-run homer from Anthony Santander to put the Astros down 9-7. However, Houston's offense came right back to score four runs in the ninth and give Montero the victory. The reliever had not allowed a run in nine straight appearances coming in, and it was his first win since July 28.

Montero earned the save Thursday against Oakland, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning in a 5-2 victory.

EDGE Analysis

Following a line out, Montero struck out the final two batters to pick up his 13th save of the season. Ryan Pressly recorded saves on the last two nights and Montero was called upon to close out the game for the first time since Sept. 5. He has not allowed a baserunner in six appearances in September, striking out six in six innings of work. He'll likely continue to receive the occasional save chance as the regular season winds down.

Montero earned a save against the Rangers on Monday with a perfect inning that included one strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Montero continues to fill in admirably for closer Ryan Pressly (neck), and the former has now racked up five saves over the past 12 days. Montero has allowed just one earned run over five innings during that stretch while posting a 7:0 K:BB. He's the clear favorite for save chances whenever Pressly is out, but the latter could be back as soon as Tuesday, per Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle.

Montero struck out two in a perfect inning to earn the save in Friday's 4-2 win over the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Montero is up to four saves in his last four appearances with Ryan Pressly (neck) on the shelf. Friday's outing was as sharp as they come for Montero -- he threw 10 of 14 pitches for strikes in a drama-free save, his 11th of the year. The 31-year-old right-hander has been steady with a 2.59 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 60:21 K:BB while adding 18 holds through 55.2 innings. Montero should continue to operate as the primary closer until Pressly returns, which isn't until next week at a minimum.

Montero allowed one hit and struck out one across a scoreless ninth inning to earn the save Wednesday against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Montero continues to occupy the closer role in the absence of Ryan Pressly (neck), as he has three saves since Aug. 25. He's pitched fairly well in that span, allowing only one earned across three innings while striking out four and walking nine. Montero will almost certainly cede save chances back to Pressly, though he is in a strong position to provide plenty of saves in the short term.