Jordan Montgomery Steps in Ace Role for Texas Rangers, Starts Playoff Opener

If the Texas Rangers have an ace on their staff going into the playoffs, it’s Jordan Montgomery.

The veteran lefty – acquired just before the trade deadline – will lead off the postseason Tuesday, as the Rangers begin a best-of-three Wild Card series at the favored Tampa Bay Rays. First pitch is scheduled for 2:08 p.m. at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay is going with Tyler Glasnow (10-7, 3.53) in the opener.

The Rangers arrived in St. Petersburg on Monday after a cross-country flight and a tough series at the Seattle Mariners. Texas lost three of four and missed out on clinching the American League West title and a first-round bye.

Montgomery (10-11, 3.20) doesn’t believe there’s a hangover from the weekend in the Pacific Northwest. The Rangers, he said, have moved on and are focused on what’s ahead.

“I think as baseball players, we’re kind of geared to do that,” he said Monday. “You play 162 games. It’s a long season. If you get down after every loss, it’s gonna be a miserable long year. So I think most of the guys are pretty even-keeled and kind of understand that that's in the past.”

The Rangers have gone through their fair share of aces this season from Jacob deGrom to Nathan Eovaldi to Max Scherzer. Injuries have taken a toll on the Texas staff throughout the season, with that trio all spending time on the injured list.

One is out until next season at the earliest (deGrom), while Eovaldi was still recovering from his IL as the regular season wound down. Scherzer is still hoping to get back during the playoffs. Another starter, Jon Gray, went on the IL late in the season, as well.

Montgomery, however, has been a workhorse since being acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals on June 30. He’s posted a 2.79 ERA and 4-2 record in 11 starts for the Rangers, working at least six innings eight times.

“Trying to win games for the team,” Montgomery said. “[Catcher Jonah Heim] has been great behind the plate, defense has been playing incredible behind me and I’m just trying to give them my best every time I go out there.”

The Rangers could use a solid outing – and win – from Montgomery to open the series. It’ll be a challenge against a lineup that historically hits lefties well.

They’re definitely a talented bunch,” he said. “I know [Randy Arozarena is] having a great year and they’re in the playoffs for a reason. So definitely a good, good team.”

You can follow Art Garcia on Twitter @ArtGarcia92.

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