The Houston Astros re-signed relief pitcher Rafael Montero to a three-year deal worth $34.5 million on Saturday. Montero became one of the best high-leverage relief arms in the game in 2022, posting a 2.37 ERA (2.64 FIP), a 1.02 WHIP, a career-high 14 saves and 73 strikeouts in 68 1/3 innings pitched in 71 relief outings during the regular season for the Astros. The 32-year-old right-hander was even better in helping the Astros win the World Series, as he allowed only two earned runs on five hits while walking six and striking out 10 in 9 1/3 innings in the postseason. Montero could see saves again in 2023, but he'll open the year as a high-end setup man ahead of closer Ryan Pressly, still giving him plenty of fantasy appeal.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his 12th save of the season in Monday's 1-0 win over the Rangers. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning up by one and delivered a 1-2-3 inning with a strikeout. Montero has served as a solid fill-in closer while Ryan Pressly (neck) has been on the injured list with neck stiffness and has now converted all but two save opportunities this season with a 2.54 ERA. Pressly is expected to return to the team early this week, which will hurt Montero's fantasy value. That being said, he may still see a few saves down the stretch and will still be worth a roster spot in roto leagues for fantasy managers chasing saves.

Houston Astros reliever Rafael Montero recorded his eighth save of the season on Thursday as his club defeated the Twins 6-3. He needed 16 pitches to retire the side in order as he issued a pair of groundouts and collected one strikeout in the clean performance. Montero has put together a fine season with a 2.56 ERA and 1.12 WHIP with 55 K through 52 2/3 IP in a setup role for most of the campaign. With Ryan Pressly landing on the IL earlier in the day, Montero figures to see most of the save chances moving forward with Hector Neris and Bryan Abreu acting as secondary options for save-hungry fantasy managers.

Houston Astros reliever Rafael Montero recorded the team's final two outs during the second game of a doubleheader Wednesday to close out a 7-5 win over the Yankees. After Brandon Bielak surrendered a three-run homer to Aaron Judge in the ninth, Montero was called upon to finish the contest since closer Ryan Pressly was placed on paternity leave earlier in the day. The right-hander allowed Gleyber Torres to reach base on a single, but then got Matt Carpenter to ground into a double play to end the contest. It was the seventh save of the campaign for Montero who is also sporting a crisp 1.85 ERA and 1.03 WHIP through 39 IP this season. If Pressly were to miss extended time at any point this season, Montero would be the arm to target in the Astros bullpen.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his sixth save of the season in Tuesday's 9-7 win over the Royals. Montero came in to pitch the ninth inning with a three-run lead. He allowed a leadoff triple, then got an RBI groundout for the first out before striking out the next two hitters to end the game. Montero has pitched well this season, compiling a 1.93 ERA with no blown saves. However, Ryan Pressly is clearly the team's primary option for closer, which limits Montero's fantasy value. Montero is still worth a look in deep roto leagues at this time for fantasy managers looking for any kind of save support.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his third save of the season on Friday in the in Astros' 3-2 win over the Tigers. Montero worked a clean ninth inning striking out one batter. Montero is now three-for-three in save opportunities on the season and owns a 0.73 ERA, 0.89 WHIP, and 17 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings pitched overall. Closer Ryan Pressly (knee) has returned from the injured list but in his first appearance back, he looked rusty, blowing a save with his fastball velocity sitting in the 93 MPH range. For now, until Pressly gets back on track, managers in need of saves should continue to hold onto (and start) Montero. Managers who have Pressly rostered may also wish to grab Montero as insurance, if he isn't already rostered, in the event Pressly has a setback or cannot get back on track.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero picked up his second save of the season in Monday's 3-0 win over the Mariners. Montero entered the game in the ninth inning up by three and pitched a scoreless inning, allowing a single and a walk with no strikeouts. The 31-year-old is now second on the team in save opportunities and has converted both of them with a 0.87 ERA, 15 strikeouts, and three walks in 10 1/3 innings pitched. However, Ryan Pressly (knee) will likely resume his closer duties once he returns from the injured list. As such, Montero's fantasy value is limited at this time, despite pitching well.

Houston Astros relief pitcher Rafael Montero was called upon for his first save opportunity of the year in Thursday's game against the Texas Rangers. He inherited a 3-1 lead in the ninth inning and went on to give up a solo home run and a walk, but that was all the damage that was done. The 31-year-old became the third Astro to record a save this year. Ryne Stanek converted his first save of the year just a day earlier. Ryan Pressly (knee) appears to be nearing his return and he will certainly take back closing duties once he's active. Now we at least know that Stanek and Montero could be in the saves picture if Pressly is sidelined again.

The Houston Astros placed relief pitcher Rafael Montero (shoulder) on the 10-day injured list on Tuesday. The move is retroactive to August 9. Montero is dealing with shoulder soreness. He was forced to leave his most recent start against the Minnesota Twins on August 8 when the injury first came up. The Astros activated fellow reliever Pedro Baez (shoulder) in a corresponding move. Montero was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Mariners prior to the trade deadline. Montero has made four appearances with the Astros so far and has allowed just three hits, two walks and one unearned run over six innings.

SEATTLE (AP) — The Pittsburgh Pirates indeed traded left-hander Tyler Anderson on Tuesday to a playoff contender — the Seattle Mariners, not the Philadelphia Phillies. Earlier in the day, reports circulated the Pirates were close to sending the 31-year-old Anderson to the Phils. Instead, he wound up on the other coast, when the Mariners made their second trade of the day that involved pitching. Seattle sent a pair of minor leaguers, catcher Carter Bins and righty Joaquin Tejada, to the Pirates. Anderson is 5-8 with a 4.35 ERA in 18 starts. “We see Tyler as a solid addition to our club,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “He brings much needed depth to our rotation as we enter the final third of our schedule.” Hours before that, the Mariners traded Kendall Graveman, one of the best relievers in the majors this season, and pitcher Rafael Montero to AL West-leading Houston for infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith. It seemed to be a puzzling move — Seattle trailed Oakland... [More]

The Seattle Mariners have acquired left-hander Tyler Anderson from Pittsburgh, a person familiar with the trade told The Associated Press, in their second deal Tuesday that involves pitching. The person spoke to the AP on condition on anonymity because there was no official announcement. Earlier in the day, reports circulated the Pirates were close to trading Anderson to Philadelphia. But the veteran 31-year-old wound up going to the other coast in a trade for prospects, joining a team in contention for an AL wild-card spot. Anderson is 5-8 with a 4.35 ERA in 18 starts. Hours earlier, the Mariners traded Kendall Graveman, one of the best relievers in the majors this season, and pitcher Rafael Montero to AL West-leading Houston for infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith. It seemed to be a puzzling move — Seattle trailed Oakland by one game in the race for the second wild-card spot, and was within striking distance of the Astros. “It’s part of a context that’s going to be an ongoing... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The Houston Astros have landed one of the top relievers in baseball, acquiring right-hander Kendall Graveman from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in an odd intra-division trade while the teams were preparing to play each other. Graveman and Rafael Montero are going to the AL West-leading Astros with infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith going back to Seattle. A teary Graveman said he was shocked by the trade, and had assumed he would be sticking with the Mariners, who'd won four straight against divisional opponents in gritty fashion. “I didn’t see it coming, but there’s always that percent of, ‘This game’s a business,’" Graveman said as he stood in front of the Astros dugout. “I’m speaking truth and honest, the way I felt is, (we're) nine games over .500 over on that side and playing pretty good ball while I was there. That takes away from the last five days, honestly, I think. But we’ll see if they bounce back.” The move bolsters a Houston bullpen that has struggled... [More]

SEATTLE (AP) — The Houston Astros have landed one of the top relievers in baseball, acquiring right-hander Kendall Graveman from the Seattle Mariners on Tuesday in an odd intra-division trade while the teams were preparing to play each other. Graveman and Rafael Montero are going to the AL West-leading Astros with infielder Abraham Toro and reliever Joe Smith going back to Seattle. “We are always looking to improve all aspects of the roster,” Astros general manager James Click said. “This one happens to be focused on the bullpen. But we’re not going to take any options off the table when it comes to trying to put ourselves in a position to compete for a World Series.” The move bolsters a Houston bullpen that has struggled at times and has an ERA above 4.00 this season. Graveman is 4-0 with a 0.82 ERA and 10 saves in 30 appearances this year. He missed nearly a month due to COVID-19 protocols in May and June but has been dominant on the mound. Graveman has not allowed an earned run in his... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge and Gary Sánchez powered a long-awaited onslaught from New York’s star-studded lineup, helping the Yankees overcome two more home runs by big league leader Shohei Ohtani to beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-5 Tuesday night. Judge and Sánchez each homered as New York set a season high for runs. Ohtani cleared the right field fence with a pair of scorching, low drives that pushed his major league-most total to 28. José Iglesias also homered for the Angels, a two-run drive in the second inning. Sánchez hit a solo shot in the first inning for his 14th of the season, and Judge’s two-run shot in the second was his team-leading 18th. Both homers came off Andrew Heaney (4-6), who was charged with seven runs in three-plus innings. Jameson Taillon (3-4) was credited with a win despite allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings, pushing his ERA to 5.43. DODGERS 3, GIANTS 1 LOS ANGELES (AP) — Max Muncy homered, Walker Buehler pitched three-hit ball into the seventh inning and Los... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge and Gary Sánchez powered a long-awaited onslaught from New York’s star-studded lineup, helping the Yankees overcome two more home runs by big league leader Shohei Ohtani to beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-5 Tuesday night. Judge and Sánchez each homered as New York set a season high for runs. Ohtani cleared the right field fence with a pair of scorching, low drives that pushed his major league-most total to 28. José Iglesias also homered for the Angels, a two-run drive in the second inning. Sánchez hit a solo shot in the first inning for his 14th of the season, and Judge’s two-run shot in the second was his team-leading 18th. Both homers came off Andrew Heaney (4-6), who was charged with seven runs in three-plus innings. Jameson Taillon (3-4) was credited with a win despite allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings, pushing his ERA to 5.43. PHILLIES 4, MARLINS 3 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Vince Velasquez tossed a two-hitter over seven innings, Rhys Hoskins hit a solo homer... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge and Gary Sánchez powered a long-awaited onslaught from New York’s star-studded lineup, helping the Yankees overcome two more home runs by big league leader Shohei Ohtani to beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-5 Tuesday night. Judge and Sánchez each homered as New York set a season high for runs. Ohtani cleared the right field fence with a pair of scorching, low drives that pushed his major league-most total to 28. José Iglesias also homered for the Angels, a two-run drive in the second inning. Sánchez hit a solo shot in the first inning for his 14th of the season, and Judge’s two-run shot in the second was his team-leading 18th. Both homers came off Andrew Heaney (4-6), who was charged with seven runs in three-plus innings. Jameson Taillon (3-4) was credited with a win despite allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings, pushing his ERA to 5.43. PHILLIES 4, MARLINS 3 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Vince Velasquez tossed a two-hitter over seven innings, Rhys Hoskins hit a solo homer... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge and Gary Sánchez powered a long-awaited onslaught from New York’s star-studded lineup, helping the Yankees overcome two more home runs by big league leader Shohei Ohtani to beat the Los Angeles Angels 11-5 Tuesday night. Judge and Sánchez each homered as New York set a season high for runs. Ohtani cleared the right field fence with a pair of scorching, low drives that pushed his major league-most total to 28. José Iglesias also homered for the Angels, a two-run drive in the second inning. Sánchez hit a solo shot in the first inning for his 14th of the season, and Judge’s two-run shot in the second was his team-leading 18th. Both homers came off Andrew Heaney (4-6), who was charged with seven runs in three-plus innings. Jameson Taillon (3-4) was credited with a win despite allowing five runs in 5 1/3 innings, pushing his ERA to 5.43. PHILLIES 4, MARLINS 3 PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Vince Velasquez tossed a two-hitter over seven innings, Rhys Hoskins hit a solo homer... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees turned their record-tying third triple play this season to strand the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, bailing out closer Aroldis Chapman and closing down a 2-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Gary Sánchez spoiled Sean Manaea’s gem with a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning, and Jonathan Loaisiga (7-2) and Lucas Luetge turned a 2-1 lead over to Chapman. Jed Lowrie and Chad Pinder walked, and Sean Murphy grounded to Gio Urshela, who stepped on third and threw to DJ LeMahieu. The second baseman relayed the ball to first to get Murphy by a step. New York also turned a triple play Thursday in Buffalo against the Blue Jays and also had one May 21 against the Chicago White Sox. Chapman’s 16th save sent Oakland to its first road series loss this season after eight wins and a split. BLUE JAYS 7, ORIOLES 4 BALTIMORE (AP) — Reese McGuire had three doubles during a four-hit performance. Hyun Jin Ryu (6-4) gave up one run and three hits in seven... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees turned their record-tying third triple play this season to strand the go-ahead run in the ninth inning, bailing out closer Aroldis Chapman and closing down a 2-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on Sunday. Gary Sánchez spoiled Sean Manaea’s gem with a go-ahead two-run double in the sixth inning, and Jonathan Loaisiga (7-2) and Lucas Luetge turned a 2-1 lead over to Chapman. Jed Lowrie and Chad Pinder walked, and Sean Murphy grounded to Gio Urshela, who stepped on third and threw to DJ LeMahieu. The second baseman relayed the ball to first to get Murphy by a step. New York also turned a triple play Thursday in Buffalo against the Blue Jays and also had one May 21 against the Chicago White Sox. Chapman’s 16th save sent Oakland to its first road series loss this season after eight wins and a split. BLUE JAYS 7, ORIOLES 4 BALTIMORE (AP) — Reese McGuire had three doubles during a four-hit performance. Hyun Jin Ryu (6-4) gave up one run and three hits in seven... [More]

NEW YORK (AP) — Gio Urshela stayed in the game despite a shard of a broken bat hitting his right eye in the second inning and hit a go-ahead homer eighth as the New York Yankees rallied from a three-run deficit in a 7-5 victory Saturday that stopped the Oakland Athletics’ seven-game winning streak. Aroldis Chapman struck out Matt Chapman on a 103.4 mph pitch to strand two runners in the ninth for his 15th save. Urshela singled in New York’s first run in the fourth and put the Yankees ahead 5-4 in the eighth when he lifted a 98.6 mph fastball from Jesús Luzardo (2-4) into the netting above Monument Park in center. DJ LeMahieu added a two-run single against Sergio Romo. Chad Green (2-4) struck out the side in the eighth. PADRES 7, REDS 5 SAN DIEGO (AP) — Rookie Kim Ha-seong hit a tiebreaking, two-run home run with two outs in the eighth — three innings after he replaced injured star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. — and San Diego beat Cincinnati. Tatis left after apparently hurting his left... [More]