LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JULY 28: Manager David Bell of the Cincinnati Reds in the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium on July 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Frankie Montas issues warning to hitters after dominant Reds debut
Montas debut with Reds turns out to be showcase performance for right-handed starter
Frankie Montas appeared to be anything but a sure thing when the Cincinnati Reds signed the pitcher to a one-year, $16 million deal in the offseason. Montas made just one appearance for the New York Yankees last season, after making 27 starts the year before. The right-handed pitcher was roaring to go on Opening Day, and he led the Reds to an 8-2 triumph over the Washington Nationals.
Montas was on form as he pitched six shutout innings for the Reds while striking out four batters and walking none. It was the 100th start of his career.
The pitcher had surgery on his labrum in February 2023 and that’s why he was so limited last year. Nevertheless, he had faith in himself despite his injury history and the Reds believed in him enough to give him a chance.
Montas has been confident all spring and he has not been shy about saying he wants the ball in the team’s biggest games. His first game indicated there was no bluster to his performance on the mound and it marked a great start to his time with the Reds.
Montas changes his style on the mound for the Reds
He explained that he intends to pitch this way throughout the 2o24 season for the up and coming Reds now that he is healthy again. “This is the healthy version of me,” Montas said. “I’m just trying to enjoy every part of it. I want to go out there without thinking about what people think. I’m just going to do my job and pitch.”
As Montas prepared for the start of the season in spring training, he was clearly changing the way he went about his business. In his earlier years with the Oakland A’s, Montas had been a power pitcher who could dominate with his fastball.
Coming off labrum surgery obviously meant that Montas had to change the way he attacked on the mound. He could still throw his fastball, but he had to mix in his razor-sharp splitter and all of his off-speed pitchers if he is going to remain healthy and effective.
