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Chicago Cubs should keep Mike Montgomery in rotation when Kyle Hendricks returns

By Dan Schmelzer

Jun 25, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Mike Montgomery (38) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Mike Montgomery (38) delivers a pitch in the second inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Kyle Hendricks returns, the Chicago Cubs need to keep Mike Montgomery in the starting rotation.

The Chicago Cubs suffered another loss on Sunday, falling to the Miami Marlins 4-2. There were not many positives in that game, but the continued success of Mike Montgomery in the rotation was undoubtedly one of them.

Montgomery did give up three runs in six innings, but all of them were unearned after an Addison Russell error in the first inning. Against a strong Marlins’ lineup, Montgomery allowed only four hits, walked two batters and had six strikeouts. After a shaky first inning that wouldn’t have been an issue without the error, Montgomery really settled down and got into a groove.

Montgomery has now started four games for the Cubs this season. Through those four starts, he has a 1.71 ERA (3.23 FIP) in 21 innings pitched. His 63.3% ground ball rate (FanGraphs) is also incredibly encouraging.

Have to make a move soon

Kyle Hendricks is expected to return to the Cubs’ rotation soon. Whether it is before or after the All-Star break, the Cubs are likely going to move one of Montgomery or Eddie Butler out of the rotation instead of going to a six-man rotation for now. Butler has looked good in spurts, but his lack of command is maddening. Montgomery deserves the opportunity to prove himself over the long haul in the rotation.

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The Cubs always seem hesitant to leave Montgomery as a starting pitcher because of his obvious value in the bullpen. However, I wonder if Butler would actually be better suited for a move to the pen.

Butler to the pen?

Butler has good stuff, but his command has held him back with the Chicago Cubs. However, it is fair to wonder whether his stuff would play better in short bursts out of the pen. Control and command would still be an issue, but it seems to be worth a shot. Plus, the numbers back it up.

According to FanGraphs, opposing players are hitting .194/.306/.323 against Butler the first time through the order. Pretty good. The second time through, they are hitting .238/.324/.397. Not as strong, but still solid. Now, the third time through the order, those number balloon all the way up to .350/.435/.579. Obviously not great.

Eddie Butler Chicago Cubs
May 30, 2017; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Eddie Butler (33) reacts after giving up a two-run home run to San Diego Padres catcher Austin Hedges (background) during the second inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

If Butler makes it through the early innings, he gets destroyed once teams get that extra look at him. This happens to most pitchers, but Butler’s splits are extreme. Naturally, as a reliever, you likely only see a batter once in a game. Maybe twice for a long man. It is easy to see why a move to the bullpen would suit Butler well. He could become an effective short-inning guy at times and a pitcher who the Cubs could count on for multiple innings in a pinch.

A forgotten option

Also, Brett Anderson is starting to make rehab starts in Double-A. After his tough start, I don’t think anybody believes that Anderson deserves another crack at the rotation. However, it may be worth seeing if he can take on Montgomery’s role out of the bullpen. A left-handed pitcher who can handle a variety of situations, including multiple inning appearances. I can see how that could work out.

Even if the Cubs trade for a starting pitcher prior to the July 31st trade deadline, they could still go with a six-man rotation and allow Montgomery to prove himself as a starter. Then, when the postseason hits, he goes back to the bullpen.

Next: Contreras must fill offensive void for Cubs

When it comes down to it, Mike Montgomery has earned the opportunity to prove himself full-time in the Cubs’ rotation. With Jake Arrieta and John Lackey hitting free agency this offseason, the Cubs need to find some starting pitchers who can help this team in 2018 and beyond. Montgomery has a chance to be that guy.

This is a move that not only helps the Chicago Cubs in 2017, but it is smart planning for the long-term.

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