Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Sun 8/28/22 7:07 PM

Montero recorded the save Sunday against Baltimore, allowing a run on three hits while striking out two in the ninth inning of a 3-1 victory.
EDGE Analysis
Montero gave up a double to Anthony Santander and an RBI single to Austin Hays to account for Baltimore's first run of the game. After another single and with the winning run at the plate, the 31-year-old punched out Rougned Odor on a 3-2 pitch to end the game. With Ryan Pressly (neck) out, Montero has received the last two save chances for Houston and has nine saves on the year. Pressly will be out until at least Sept. 6 and Montero is likely to get the bulk of the save opportunities in his absence.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Fri 8/26/22 3:43 AM

Montero recorded a save against the Twins on Thursday by striking out one batter in a perfect inning of work.
EDGE Analysis
Closer Ryan Pressly (neck) went on the 15-day injured list Thursday afternoon, and Montero was given the first opportunity to close in his stead. The right-hander didn't disappoint, retiring the side in order on 16 pitches in the ninth inning. Montero is 8-for-10 in save chances this season, and he'll likely see a majority of Houston's closing opportunities for as long as Pressly remains out of action.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Fri 7/22/22 1:27 AM

Montero allowed a hit but recorded the final two outs to tally the save in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader against the Yankees.
EDGE Analysis
Montero was called upon to get the final two outs of the game after Brandon Bielak served up a home run that cut the Astros lead to two. Montero could be in line for save chances in the short term with Ryan Pressly (personal) likely out for most of the team's weekend series against the Mariners, though Hector Neris received the opportunity -- but blew the chance -- in the first game of the doubleheader. Montero has been a strong member of Houston's bullpen all season while maintaining a 1.85 ERA with 43:14 K:BB across 39 frames.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Tue 7/5/22 11:55 PM

Montero allowed a run on one hit and struck out two in one inning to earn the save in Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Royals.
EDGE Analysis
A seven-inning scoreless streak came to a close when Andrew Benintendi knocked in Whit Merrifield on a groundout, but Montero was still able to pick up his second save in his last four outings. This was his sixth save of the year, which came after Ryan Pressly was deemed unavailable after warming up but not pitching Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports. Through 32.2 innings overall, Montero has been solid with a 1.93 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 35:11 K:BB while adding 12 holds and three wins as the Astros' primary setup man.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Sat 6/25/22 1:21 AM

Montero earned his fifth save Friday against the Yankees after not allowing a hit during a scoreless ninth inning. He had two walks and zero strikeouts.
EDGE Analysis
Closer Ryan Pressly pitched the past two games and blew a save Thursday when he surrendered four runs in one-third of an inning, which opened the window for Montero to step in for the save Friday. The hiccup is unlikely to bump Pressly out of the closer role without further struggles, so Montero, who has a 1.82 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 30:11 K:BB over 29.2 innings this season, should continue to operate as the Astros' setup man.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Mon 6/20/22 4:15 PM

Montero allowed one hit and struck out one across a scoreless seventh inning to earn a hold Sunday against the White Sox.
EDGE Analysis
Montero struggled for a brief stretch in early June, allowing five earned runs across four appearances that spanned four innings. However, he's gotten back on track in his last two outings, allowing only a hit and a walk while striking out two across two scoreless frames. Montero has been excellent for the balance of the season, maintaining a 2.03 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 27:9 K:BB to go along with nine holds across 26.2 innings.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Wed 6/8/22 10:11 AM

Montero walked three but pitched a scoreless eighth inning to earn a hold Tuesday against the Mariners.
EDGE Analysis
Montero was called upon to protect a one-run lead, but he walked the bases loaded after recording only one out. However, he got Abraham Toro to ground into a double play to sidestep any damage. Montero's struggle to find the strike zone is likely to be an aberration, as he had surrendered only five free passes across 21.2 innings entering Tuesday's appearance. Montero has been excellent in a high-leverage role for the Astros this season, delivering a 1.99 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 24:8 K:BB.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Sun 6/5/22 6:28 PM

Montero retired the only batter he faced to secure the save in Sunday's 7-4 win over the Royals.
EDGE Analysis
Following Ryan Pressly's ejection for throwing inside and Phil Maton's inability to retire any of the three batters he faced, Montero was able to end a bases-loaded threat. He got Nicky Lopez to ground out to end the game. This was Montero's fourth save of the year, but his first since May 6. He's posted a 2.08 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 24:5 K:BB across 21.2 innings while adding six holds this season. Should Pressly face a suspension for his actions Sunday, Montero figures to be favored for potential save chances.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Mon 5/30/22 1:35 AM

Montero (2-0) did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless seventh inning while striking out two to earn the win Sunday against the Mariners.
EDGE Analysis
Montero has allowed only one earned run across 19.2 innings this season while also maintaining a 23:5 K:BB. His dominance was on display Sunday as he needed just nine pitches to set the Mariners down in order. Though Ryan Pressly is locked into the closer role, Montero is capable of delivering excellent ratios and has also racked up six holds on the campaign.

Rafael Montero
RP HOU
Fri 5/6/22 11:32 PM

Montero struck out one batter in a perfect inning and notched a save against Detroit on Friday.
EDGE Analysis
With Ryan Pressley (rest) getting Friday off, Montero jumped back into the closer role and earned his third save over his last four appearances. The 31-year-old needed just 14 pitches (nine strikes) to retire the Tigers in order. He's now allowed just one run while posting a 17:3 K:BB through 12.1 frames on the year.