Montgomery will remain in a starting role for the time being as the Cubs go with a six-man rotation, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though John Lackey (shoulder) returned from the disabled list Sunday and turned in an effective outing against the Giants, the Cubs will attempt to limit the usage of their starting pitchers down the stretch in preparation for the postseason. Montgomery's presence in the rotation will create an extra built-in day of rest for the team's other starters, but the left-hander might be worth a look in deeper mixed leagues while he holds down a starting gig. In 24.2 innings as a starter this season, Montgomery has produced a 4.01 ERA and 1.34 WHIP.

Montgomery will start for the Cubs on Wednesday against the Brewers, MLB.com's Carrie Muskat reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery will step in on a day that would have typically gone to Jon Lester, despite recent reports that he was headed back to long relief. The move will allow the Cubs to save Lester's veteran arm, as well as use him against a more offensively potent Houston Astros squad. With the return of John Lackey, Montgomery will eventually go back to the bullpen, though it wouldn't be surprising to see manager Joe Maddon employ this strategy down the stretch. Montgomery's 2.80 season ERA makes him a solid replacement if Maddon wants to preserve any of his starters for the postseason.

Montgomery will move back to a relief role following confirmation that John Lackey will be able to return to the rotation Sunday against the Giants.

EDGE Analysis

He has a 2.29 ERA in 59 innings as a reliever and a 4.01 ERA in 24.2 innings as a starter this year, so it's clear what his best role is. If the Cubs were to suffer another injury in the rotation, Montgomery might be called upon again, but for now he has lost most of his value in most formats.

Montgomery gave up four runs (three earned) on three hits and three walks over four innings Thursday against the Giants. He also hit a batter and threw two wild pitches.

EDGE Analysis

The lefty didn't factor into the decision despite the poor outing, as opposing starter Jeff Samardzija struggled similarly. Montgomery has shown occasional upside in his three starts as a Cub, but his control has been suspect and he hasn't been able to offer much length. Montgomery's been far more effective as a relief arm than in the rotation, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get bumped from starting duties soon -- especially if John Lackey returns this weekend, as expected.

Montgomery's next start has been pushed back to Thursday against the Giants, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Cubs will flip Montgomery and Jason Hammel in the rotation, giving Montgomery an extra day of rest after he threw a season-high 91 pitches in his last outing. Montgomery has fared reasonably well as a starter, posting a 3.48 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in four starts (compared to 2.29 ERA and 1.17 WHIP in relief), but his run in the rotation may end when John Lackey (shoulder) is cleared to return. That is, unless the Cubs opt to go with a six-man rotation down the stretch.

Montgomery allowed three runs on six hits and four walks Friday versus the Dodgers. He struck out five and did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery curiously did not give up a run on a hit Friday, as he put men on base in the third, fourth and fifth innings and was scored upon each time via RBI groundout. Montgomery was making a spot start in this one, and he will return to the bullpen, where he has been quite effective, moving forward.

Montgomery will start Saturday's game in Colorado, WSCR-AM radio's Bruce Levine reports.

EDGE Analysis

John Lackey's start is getting pushed to Tuesday so that he can rest his ailing shoulder, so Montgomery gets the spot start. This will essentially be a tandem start with Mongomery pitching the first three or four innings and Trevor Cahill coming on to pitch the next three or four before handing it to the late-inning arms. Montgomery hasn't logged more than two innings in an outing since July 17, which, coupled with the fact he'll be pitching in Coors Field, makes him fairly useless in most formats Saturday.

Montgomery earned the win with two scoreless innings against the Cardinals on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

It's unknown exactly who will take the place of Pedro Strop (knee) as a setup man, but there is no shortage of candidates, and Montgomery is as good a choice as any. Montgomery pitched in the ninth and 10th inning - after closer Aroldis Chapman - in a tie game.

Montgomery was traded to the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday for first base prospect Dan Vogelbach, Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Montgomery was having a fantastic year out of the bullpen for the Mariners, posting a 2.34 ERA and 1.09 WHIP with 54 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. The left-hander features a fastball, curveball and changeup mix. His fastball velocity has increased almost three miles per hour this season compared to 2015. The former top prospect in the Royals system will give the Cubs bullpen much needed depth, especially from the left side. Expect him to slot right into a seventh or eighth inning role with the Cubs.

Montgomery fell to 3-4 with Sunday's loss to the Astros, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits and two walks across five innings of work. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

The left-hander entered Sunday's start having gone 11 consecutive appearances without allowing multiple earned runs against, but that streak promptly came to an end as Houston plated three in the first three innings. He still threw the ball well, as 65 percent of his pitches went for strikes and he notched a season-high in punchouts, but he simply ran into a hot opponent on Sunday. Montgomery had earned his latest start with a strong close to the first half, but in light of Sunday's loss and with Felix Hernandez (calf) and Taijuan Walker (foot) expected to return soon, he is unlikely to remain in the rotation.