The Pirates acquired Montgomery from the Rays on Friday in a three-team trade, Chandler Rome and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic report.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery logged a 5.67 ERA and walked 27 over 46 innings with the Rays in 2025, but he also struck out 63 batters and, at 98.7 mph, has one of the hardest average four-seamer velocities in the game. The lefty has past starting experience, but the Pirates are likely to keep Montgomery in the bullpen, and he could work his way into high-leverage appearances.

The Rays optioned Montgomery to Triple-A Durham on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery was dinged for five runs while recording just two outs in Wednesday's loss to the White Sox, and he finds himself back in the minors a day later. The Rays are adding a couple fresh relief arms after a bullpen game Wednesday.

The Rays recalled Montgomery from Triple-A Durham on Friday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery returns to the 26-man roster for the first time since being sent down to Triple-A on July 7. The 25-year-old has a 5.74 ERA in 31.1 innings with Tampa Bay but posted a 1.80 ERA in five innings at Durham.

The Rays optioned Montgomery to Triple-A Durham on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery allowed two runs while recording just one out in Sunday's win over the Twins and has posted a disappointing 5.74 ERA, 1.66 WHIP and 41:19 K:BB over 31.1 innings this season. The hard-throwing lefty will look to improve his command and control at Durham.

Montgomery retired the only batter he faced to pick up the save in Tuesday's win over the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery entered with two outs in the ninth to face Daulton Varsho and got him to fly out to end the game. Pete Fairbanks began the inning and gave up two runs, which allowed Montgomery to earn the first save of his career. The lefty has now turned in six consecutive scoreless outings and hasn't allowed a hit over that span.

Montgomery allowed one earned run on one hit and one walk while striking out two Thursday against the Royals.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery has pitched in some high-leverage spots for the Rays early on this season. He's entered contests in the seventh inning or later with a run differential of two or less in six of his 11 appearances, and he's recorded three holds. His surface results have been mediocre as he's allowed an earned run in four of his outings, though he does have an impressive 15:4 K:BB.

The Rays selected Montgomery's contract from Triple-A Durham on Thursday, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery has taken off since moving to the bullpen full-time at Durham last month, turning in 9.2 scoreless innings with a 20:5 K:BB. The left-hander could eventually work his way into high-leverage situations but should work in middle relief initially. Montgomery will be making his major-league debut when/if he gets into a game.

Montgomery has a 1.50 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 10 strikeouts in six innings through two starts with Double-A Montgomery.

EDGE Analysis

The 22-year-old lefty was excellent in 11 starts at Double-A last year, sporting a 2.48 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 53 strikeouts in 54.1 innings. Montgomery is one of the most underrated pitching prospects in the minors, as he has a dominant fastball that plays above its low-90s velocity -- like a left-handed Joe Ryan -- in addition to a plus changeup. He should get a bump to Triple-A Durham sometime this season and could spend most of 2024 in the majors.