Free-agent left-hander Mike Montgomery signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets on Tuesday, pending a physical, according to a source. Montgomery spent last season in Korea and had a 5.26 ERA while also getting suspended 20 games for throwing a rosin bag at an umpire. The 32-year-old southpaw pitched in only three games (5 1/3 innings) for the Kansas City Royals in the shortened 2020 season and had a 5.06 ERA and 1.31 WHIP. In 541 career major league innings over six seasons, Montgomery has a 3.84 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 6.9 K/9 in 183 appearances (70 starts). He'll serve as pitching depth in the Mets system in 2022 and isn't worth a look at all in fantasy.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Mets have signed left-hander Mike Montgomery and righty Tommy Hunter to minor league contracts, adding a couple of veterans to the staff at the start of spring training. The Mets made the announcement Sunday and said both pitchers have been invited to big league camp. The 34-year-old Hunter went 0-1 with one save and a 4.01 ERA in 24 games for Philadelphia last season. He also has played for Texas, Baltimore, the Chicago Cubs, Cleveland and Tampa Bay. Hunter is 56-45 with 22 saves and 4.08 ERA in 472 games during a 13-year career. A starter in his early days, he's pitched exclusively in relief since 2012. The 31-year-old Montgomery pitched three games for Kansas City last year, giving up three earned runs in 5 1/3 innings. Used in a variety of roles, he is 23-34 with three saves and a 3.84 ERA in 183 games over six seasons with Seattle, the Cubs and Kansas City. Montgomery got a save in Game 7 of the 2016 World Series for the Cubs. He relieved with two outs in the 10th inning and a runner on first base and induced a groundout to preserve an 8-7 win at Cleveland. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals placed outfielder Bubba Starling and right-hander Kyle Zimmer on the injured list and returned left-hander Mike Montgomery and outfielder Franchy Cordero from rehab assignments as part of a series of roster moves to set them up for the final five games of the season. Kansas City also recalled right-hander Jakob Junis, optioned infielder Erick Mejia to its alternate training site and transferred right-hander Matt Harvey to the 45-day injured list to create the necessary roster space. The Royals faced the Cardinals on Wednesday night before a four-game set against the Tigers to wrap up the season. Montgomery has been out since his start July 27 in Detroit with a lat strain and Cordero had been sidelined by a sprained wrist. Zimmer left his appearance Tuesday night with what manager Mike Matheny called a “zinger” in his right elbow while Starling's frustrating season at the plate will end because of back spasms. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The positive COVID-19 test that forced the Cincinnati Reds to postpone their two games against Pittsburgh over the weekend has also forced the Royals' Matt Harvey to delay his year-long wait to return to a big league mound.The Reds and Royals were supposed to begin a two-game series in Kansas City on Tuesday night, but Major League Baseball decided to postpone the game to give Cincinnati more time for testing. Now, the clubs will play a doubleheader Wednesday with the first seven-inning game taking place at 4:05 p.m. CDT and the second about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game..“It's not strange. It's more exciting than anything,” said Harvey, who pitched against the Royals for the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series, and will be starting Game 2 against Trevor Bauer (2-0) after looking good at the club's alternate training site.Harvey hasn't pitched since the Los Angeles Angels released him last July.“A couple years ago there was probably going to... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The positive COVID-19 test that forced the Cincinnati Reds to postpone their two games against Pittsburgh over the weekend has also forced the Royals' Matt Harvey to delay his year-long wait to return to a big league mound.The Reds and Royals were supposed to begin a two-game series in Kansas City on Tuesday night, but Major League Baseball decided to postpone the game to give Cincinnati more time for testing. Now, the clubs will play a doubleheader Wednesday with the first seven-inning game taking place at 4:05 p.m. CDT and the second about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the first game..“It's not strange. It's more exciting than anything,” said Harvey, who pitched against the Royals for the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series, and will be starting Game 2 against Trevor Bauer (2-0) after looking good at the club's alternate training site.Harvey hasn't pitched since the Los Angeles Angels released him last July.“A couple years ago there was probably going to... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The positive COVID-19 test that forced the Cincinnati Reds to postpone their two games against Pittsburgh over the weekend has also forced the Royals' Matt Harvey to delay his year-long wait to return to a big league mound.The Reds and Royals were supposed to begin a two-game series in Kansas City on Tuesday night, but Major League Baseball decided to postpone the game to give Cincinnati more time for testing. Now, the clubs will play a doubleheader Wednesday with the first seven-inning game taking place at 4:05 p.m. CT and the second about 30 minutes later.“It's not strange. It's more exciting than anything,” said Harvey, who pitched against the Royals for the New York Mets in the 2015 World Series, and will be starting Game 2 after looking good at the club's alternate training site.Harvey hasn't pitched since the Los Angeles Angels released him last July.“A couple years ago there was probably going to be a few more fans that game than there will be,” Harvey said.... [More]

CLEVELAND (AP) — Greg Holland struck out the top of Cleveland's order to strand the tying run at second base and Maikel Franco hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 3-2 win over the Indians on Saturday in just the third major league game decided by the debated extra-inning runner rule.With Greg Allen on second, Holland fanned César Hernández and José Ramírez before getting All-Star Francisco Lindor to chase strike three in the dirt for the final out and the most unique save of his career.The Royals could be heard whooping it up as they poured out of the dugout, with Mike Matheny posting his first win as Kansas City's manager.Holland's performance provided a fitting ending for the Royals, who got an excellent start from Brady Singer in his big league debut. Reliever Scott Barlow struck out two in the ninth to get the win.The Indians got just one hit after the third inning and finished with four.Jorge Soler and Salvador Pérez hit back-to-back homers in the... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Royals and left-hander Mike Montgomery, the club’s once-heralded prospect, agreed to a $3.1 million contract for next season on Monday to avoid salary arbitration.Montgomery was traded to the Rays as part of a blockbuster deal in 2012. He went on to pitch for the Mariners and Cubs before returning to Kansas City last season, when Chicago traded him for backup catcher Martin Maldonado just before the trading deadline.He wound up making 13 starts for the Royals, going 2-7 with a 4.64 ERA. The numbers were good enough for the Royals to believe Montgomery could be part of the rotation next season.Montgomery, who made $2.44 million last season, is 23-34 with a 3.83 ERA in 180 appearances.___More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

A look at what's happening around the majors today:SO CLOSEThe Yankees can clinch their first AL East title since 2012 with a win over the Angels in the Bronx. New York pushed back J.A. Happ's scheduled start by a day and will throw Masahiro Tanaka (10-8, 4.60 ERA) against Los Angeles.The Yankees' magic number stayed at one Wednesday night when they lost to the Angels 3-2 and second-place Tampa Bay rallied past the Dodgers 8-7 in 11 innings.HEAD TO HEADOld rivals meet at Wrigley Field when the first-place Cardinals face the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series that could go a long way toward deciding the NL Central. Jack Flaherty (10-8, 3.05 ERA) pitches against Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.26). The teams play seven times in their final 10 games, pivotal matchups in a three-way division race that also includes Milwaukee. St. Louis is three games ahead of both the Cubs and Brewers."Now we've got to beat those Cubs in Chicago," veteran Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:SO CLOSEThe Yankees can clinch their first AL East title since 2012 with a win over the Angels in the Bronx. New York pushed back J.A. Happ's scheduled start by a day and will throw Masahiro Tanaka (10-8, 4.60 ERA) against Los Angeles.The Yankees' magic number stayed at one Wednesday night when they lost to the Angels 3-2 and second-place Tampa Bay rallied past the Dodgers 8-7 in 11 innings.HEAD TO HEADOld rivals meet at Wrigley Field when the first-place Cardinals face the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series that could go a long way toward deciding the NL Central. Jack Flaherty (10-8, 3.05 ERA) pitches against Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.26). The teams play seven times in their final 10 games, pivotal matchups in a three-way division race that also includes Milwaukee. St. Louis is three games ahead of both the Cubs and Brewers."Now we've got to beat those Cubs in Chicago," veteran Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:HEAD TO HEADOld rivals meet at Wrigley Field when the first-place Cardinals face the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series that could go a long way toward deciding the NL Central. Jack Flaherty (10-8, 3.05 ERA) pitches against Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.26). The teams play seven times in their final 10 games, pivotal matchups in a three-way division race that also includes Milwaukee. St. Louis is three games ahead of both the Cubs and Brewers."Now we've got to beat those Cubs in Chicago," veteran Cardinals pitcher Adam Wainwright said after Wednesday's win over Washington. "We haven't beat them all year in Chicago. We've got to beat them this time."CLEVELAND CLUBBINGFrancisco Lindor, Carlos Santana and the contending Cleveland Indians get their last look at the Tigers — that'll be a relief for Detroit, no doubt.The Indians have won 16 in a row against Detroit this season, including a 2-1 victory Wednesday night on... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Thursday:HEAD TO HEADOld rivals meet at Wrigley Field when the first-place Cardinals face the Cubs in the opener of a four-game series that could go a long way toward determining who wins the NL Central. Jack Flaherty (10-8, 3.05 ERA) pitches against Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (11-9, 3.26). The teams play seven times in their final 10 games, pivotal matchups in a tight division race that also includes Milwaukee."Now we've got to beat those Cubs in Chicago," veteran St. Louis pitcher Adam Wainwright said after Wednesday's win over Washington. "We haven't beat them all year in Chicago. We've got to beat them this time."CLEVELAND CLUBBINGFrancisco Lindor, Carlos Santana and the contending Cleveland Indians get their last look at the Tigers — that'll be a relief for Detroit, no doubt.The Indians have won 16 in a row against Detroit this season, including a 2-1 victory Wednesday night on Yasiel Puig's walkoff single in the 10th inning. Overall,... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited a four-run rally with the go-ahead, two-run double, and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.Acuña's double down the left-field line off reliever Fernando Rodney added fuel to a dramatic seventh inning for the Braves (93-57), who reduced their magic number to four to clinch their 19th division title.Earlier in the seventh, Charlie Culberson was struck directly on the right cheekbone by a 91-mph fastball on Rodney's first pitch of the game.Culberson remained on his back for several minutes as trainers pressed a towel to his face. He was eventually helped to his feet and onto the back of a cart.The Braves have won the last 11 games started by Mike Foltynewicz (7-5), who pitched six solid innings.Wander Suero (5-8) was charged with the loss as the Washington bullpen gave up nine runs over the final four innings. The Nationals saw their lead in the NL wild card race... [More]

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. ignited a four-run rally with the go-ahead, two-run double, and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves clinched a playoff berth with a 10-1 victory over the Washington Nationals on Saturday.Acuña's double down the left-field line off reliever Fernando Rodney added fuel to a dramatic seventh inning for the Braves (93-57), who reduced their magic number to four to clinch their 19th division title.Earlier in the seventh, Charlie Culberson was struck directly on the right cheekbone by a 91-mph fastball on Rodney's first pitch of the game.Culberson remained on his back for several minutes as trainers pressed a towel to his face. He was eventually helped to his feet and onto the back of a cart.The Braves have won the last 11 games started by Mike Foltynewicz (7-5), who pitched six solid innings.Wander Suero (5-8) was charged with the loss as the Washington bullpen gave up nine runs over the final four innings. The Nationals saw their lead in the NL wild card race... [More]

A look at what's happening around the majors Saturday:CENTRAL RACEThe weekend's AL Central showdown series between Minnesota and Cleveland will start with a doubleheader.The teams played two full innings Friday night before thunderstorms swept through Progressive Field, and the game was called after a wait of 1 hour, 57 minutes.Minnesota entered leading the Indians by 3� games.Twins manager Rocco Baldelli had already planned to use his bullpen in Saturday's game, and the rainout will make things more challenging for the Twins. Mike Clevinger, who has won his past 10 decisions, will start Saturday's opener for Cleveland.ZACK ATTACKZack Greinke is 5-1 with a 3.32 ERA in seven starts for Houston since the Astros acquired him from Arizona. Greinke is 15-5 with a 2.99 ERA overall going into Saturday's start against Kansas City and Mike Montgomery (3-8).REVERSAL OF FORTUNE?NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom of the Mets is 0-4 with a 3.23 ERA in nine starts against the Dodgers going into Saturday's... [More]

Marlins first. Miguel Rojas grounds out to second base, Nicky Lopez to Ryan O'Hearn. Starlin Castro homers to left field. Garrett Cooper singles to right field. Jorge Alfaro hit by pitch. Garrett Cooper to second. Harold Ramirez singles to right field. Jorge Alfaro to second. Garrett Cooper to third. Martin Prado grounds out to third base. Harold Ramirez out at second.1 run, 3 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Marlins 1, Royals 0.Marlins fourth. Jorge Alfaro singles to third base. Harold Ramirez flies out to right field to Jorge Soler. Martin Prado singles to shallow infield. Jorge Alfaro to second. Isan Diaz singles to center field, advances to 3rd. Martin Prado scores. Jorge Alfaro scores. Throwing error by Whit Merrifield. Lewis Brinson singles to center field. Isan Diaz scores. Sandy Alcantara out on a sacrifice bunt to shallow infield, Mike Montgomery to Nicky Lopez. Lewis Brinson to second. Miguel Rojas singles to left field, tagged out at second, Ryan McBroom to Hunter Dozier to Ryan O'Hearn... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien provided just enough early offense and Mike Fiers and three Oakland relievers combined to shut down the Kansas City Royals in a 2-1 victory Tuesday night.Semien scored in the first inning and drove in a run in the second. That was all the offense the A's pitchers needed one day after Oakland had a season-high 19 runs.Fiers (13-3) scattered eight hits in his 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just Alex Gordon's RBI double in the sixth. He's now won 11 straight decisions, dating to May 7, tying Mark Mulder for the second-longest winning streak in Oakland history.Mike Montgomery (3-7) surrendered an unearned run in the first and another run in the second, but gave up nothing else through 6 1/3 innings.ORIOLES 2, NATIONALS 0WASHINGTON (AP) — Aaron Brooks came up with an unexpected pitching gem against the torrid-hitting Nationals, throwing six innings of two-hit ball to help Baltimore end Washington's five-game winning streak.The Nationals were coming off a weekend... [More]

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Marcus Semien provided just enough early offense and Mike Fiers and three Oakland relievers combined to shut down the Kansas City Royals in a 2-1 victory Tuesday night.Semien scored in the first inning and drove in a run in the second. That was all the offense the A's pitchers needed one day after Oakland had a season-high 19 runs.Fiers (13-3) scattered eight hits in his 5 1/3 innings, but allowed just Alex Gordon's RBI double in the sixth. He's now won 11 straight decisions, dating to May 7, tying Mark Mulder for the second-longest winning streak in Oakland history.Mike Montgomery (3-7) surrendered an unearned run in the first and another run in the second, but gave up nothing else through 6 1/3 innings.ORIOLES 2, NATIONALS 0WASHINGTON (AP) — Aaron Brooks came up with an unexpected pitching gem against the torrid-hitting Nationals, throwing six innings of two-hit ball to help Baltimore end Washington's five-game winning streak.The Nationals were coming off a weekend... [More]

Orioles second. Renato Nunez walks. Jonathan Villar homers to center field. Renato Nunez scores. Pedro Severino doubles to right center field. DJ Stewart singles to shallow center field. Pedro Severino to third. Stevie Wilkerson doubles to deep left center field. Pedro Severino scores. Richie Martin hit by pitch. Hanser Alberto walks. Richie Martin to second. Stevie Wilkerson to third. Trey Mancini grounds out to shortstop. Hanser Alberto out at second.3 runs, 4 hits, 0 errors, 2 left on. Orioles 3, Royals 0.Royals third. Whit Merrifield homers to center field. Jorge Soler grounds out to third base, Hanser Alberto to Trey Mancini. Hunter Dozier called out on strikes. Alex Gordon singles to center field. Cheslor Cuthbert lines out to left field to Anthony Santander.1 run, 2 hits, 0 errors, 1 left on. Orioles 3, Royals 1.Orioles fifth. Trey Mancini grounds out to first base to Ryan O'Hearn. Anthony Santander homers to center field. Renato Nunez homers to center field. Jonathan Villar singles... [More]

It took 108 years for the Cubs to end their championship drought, so the final play of that 2016 World Series won't be forgotten any time soon.Mike Montgomery, who at that point had no saves in his big league career, got Michael Martinez to hit a weak grounder for the last out of Game 7 in Cleveland. Chicago won 8-7 in 10 innings.Montgomery was traded to Kansas City this past week in a deal that sent Martin Maldonado to the Cubs, closing the book on the left-hander's stint in Chicago. Although he hasn't had a very effective 2019 season, Montgomery's place in Cubs lore is secure because of his contribution to the title team.He's also part of an interesting bit of trivia. No, it's not about who threw the last pitch of the 2016 World Series. This goes back much further.The Society for American Baseball Research defines a "Golden Pitch" as any time the pitching team and the hitting team both have a chance to win the World Series on a given pitch. It's obviously rare. It requires a winner-take-all... [More]