Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitcher Returns to Action in Rehab Start

Cincinnati Reds fans received encouraging news on Tuesday as veteran right-hander Lucas Montgomery took the mound for the Triple-A Louisville Bats, marking his first competitive outing since being placed on the injured list with right elbow soreness in late May. Montgomery’s much-anticipated rehab start offered promising signs of his recovery, providing a significant boost to the Reds’ pitching outlook as they navigate the demanding summer schedule.

Pitching at Slugger Field against the Iowa Cubs, Montgomery delivered a solid performance, throwing 4.0 innings and allowing just one earned run on three hits. He did not issue a walk and struck out five batters, efficiently throwing 62 pitches, with 40 of them finding the strike zone. His fastball velocity reportedly sat consistently in the low-to-mid 90s, a positive indicator, and he effectively mixed in his curveball and changeup, showing good command and control throughout his outing. The lone run came on a solo home run in the third inning, but Montgomery quickly recovered to retire the next three batters.

The outing was a crucial step in Montgomery's progression back to the big league rotation. According to sources within the Reds organization, the plan is for Montgomery to make at least one, possibly two, more rehab starts to build up his arm strength and pitch count before rejoining the major league club. This cautious approach aims to ensure his elbow is fully recovered and he is prepared for the rigors of a full MLB start. His ability to limit walks and generate swings-and-misses in this initial outing bodes well for the remainder of his rehab.

Montgomery’s return could provide a much-needed shot in the arm for a Reds pitching staff that has battled injuries and inconsistency at various points this season. His veteran presence and proven ability to eat innings would be invaluable, especially as the team looks to solidify its position in the competitive National League Central race. Should his subsequent rehab appearances go as smoothly, the Reds could see their seasoned hurler back on the mound at Great American Ball Park within the next couple of weeks, significantly bolstering their rotation depth for the second half of the season.