Jordan Montgomery has emerged as a key starting pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. Here are 20 facts that explain deeper into his journey and showcase his talent:
Table of Contents
Early Life and Draftee Days (Facts 1-4) Jordan Montgomery: 20 Facts About the Lefty Pitcher
- Hailing from South Carolina: Montgomery was born in Sumter, South Carolina, on August 18, 1994.
- College Ball: He played college baseball at the University of South Carolina, where he impressed with his pitching prowess.
- Drafted by the Yankees: The New York Yankees selected him in the 4th round of the 2014 MLB Draft.
- Steady Rise Through Minors: Montgomery steadily climbed through the Yankees’ minor league system, honing his skills and experience.
Yankee Years (Facts 5-10): Jordan Montgomery
- Big League Debut in 2017: He finally reached the major leagues in 2017, making his debut for the New York Yankees.
- Early Success: Montgomery showed promise in his rookie season, showcasing a knack for getting outs.
- Inconsistent Stints: However, his performance fluctuated over the next few years, with stretches of brilliance followed by periods of struggle.
- Tommy John Surgery: A significant setback came in 2021 when he underwent Tommy John surgery, a major elbow ligament reconstruction.
- Missed Most of 2022: The surgery forced him to miss most of the 2022 season, hindering his momentum.
- Part of the Yankees’ Young Core (briefly): At one point, Montgomery was considered part of the Yankees’ young pitching core, but injuries hampered his development.
Trade to St. Louis and Rejuvenation (Facts 11-15):
- Traded to Cardinals in 2022: In a trade deadline move, the Yankees sent Montgomery to the St. Louis Cardinals in July 2022.
- Fresh Start in St. Louis: The change of scenery seemed to benefit him, as he found renewed success with the Cardinals.
- Solid Performance in 2023: In 2023, Montgomery emerged as a reliable starter for the Cardinals, pitching over 150 innings with a respectable ERA.
- Durability on Display: He showcased improved durability, making more starts than ever before in his career.
- Key Contributor to Cardinals’ Success: Montgomery’s contributions were crucial in the Cardinals’ strong showing throughout the 2023 season.
Pitching Arsenal and Statistics (Facts 16-20):
- Lefty Powerhouse: A left-handed pitcher, Montgomery relies on a fastball, curveball, and changeup to keep hitters off balance.
- Strikeout Artist: While not overpowering, he has a knack for generating strikeouts, crucial for a successful starting pitcher.
- Groundball Specialist: He induces a lot of groundballs, which helps his defense and reduces the number of runs allowed.
- Evolving Pitcher: Montgomery is constantly working on refining his pitches and developing new skills.
- Bright Future in St. Louis: With his talent and newfound consistency, Jordan Montgomery is poised to be a key piece of the Cardinals’ pitching staff for years to come.
These 20 facts provide a glimpse into Jordan Montgomery’s journey, from his early days to his current role as a valuable pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. His story is one of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to bounce back from setbacks. As he continues to develop, Jordan Montgomery’s future in Major League Baseball looks bright.
Jordan Montgomery’s journey from a South Carolina prospect to a reliable starter for the St. Louis Cardinals is an inspiring one. Drafted by the Yankees, he showed early promise but battled injuries, including Tommy John surgery. A trade to the Cardinals in 2022 revitalized his career. With a solid 2023 season under his belt, Montgomery’s impressive arsenal, featuring a crafty mix of pitches and a knack for inducing groundballs, positions him as a key piece of the Cardinals’ pitching staff for years to come. His dedication and ability to overcome adversity make him a player to watch as he continues his ascent in Major League Baseball.