The Texas Rangers have activated lefthanded pitcher Jordan Montgomery from the 60 day injured list, the team announced today. To make room for Montgomery on the active and 40 man rosters, the Rangers have designated pitcher Nolan Kingham for assignment.
Montgomery is back in the majors after missing all of 2025 and the first part of this year due to Tommy John surgery. His 2024 campaign for the Arizona Diamondbacks, with whom he signed a two year deal as a free agent after the 2023 season, was a bad
one, as he put up a 6.23 ERA in 117 innings over 21 starts and four relief appearances. Montgomery made eight rehab appearances over the past almost two months prior to being activated, putting up a 3.75 ERA in 24 innings with 21 Ks against three walks. His velocity was down during his rehab stint by about 3 mph compared to where he was in 2023, and 1.5 mph compared to his time with the D-Backs, though he has said he believes when he is back on a major league mound and the adrenaline starts flowing his velocity will tick back up.
The Rangers have said that Montgomery could be used in either a starting role or a relief role. With the rotation pretty much set as of now, Montgomery will probably be in the bullpen initially, though they could mix a start in for him during a stretch with no off days to give the rest of the rotation an extra day off.
Kingham seemed like the odd man out once Montgomery returned. The 29 year old was brought up to give the Rangers an arm in the pen who could provide length if needed, until one of the “regulars” could return. Kingham did make his major league debut during his brief time up, so that’s cool, at least. My guess is that he will clear waivers and resume his role in the Round Rock rotation.
