'Grade-A human' Montas shines in Reds spring debut

MESA, Ariz. -- When Frankie Montas finished his Reds spring debut after two perfect innings vs. the Cubs on Tuesday, the veteran starter felt elated, excited and satisfied. Name all the good feelings, and Montas probably had them.

Because of a right shoulder injury, those positive vibes had been elusive in recent seasons.

“It’s been a long time," Montas said. "I think two years [ago] when I was pitching in Spring Training. Being back on the mound is exciting for me. I feel happy and blessed about that."

Montas, who signed a one-year, $16 million contract on Jan. 2, notched two strikeouts and threw 27 pitches as the Reds went on to a 6-6 tie against the Cubs at Sloan Park.

As he faced six batters, Montas made use of five different pitches -- a four-seam fastball, splitter, cutter, slider and two-seam fastball. His velocity was largely in the 94-96 mph range, but he twice topped out at 97 mph in the bottom of the second inning.

"I was happy about that," Montas said about seeing 97 mph on the Sloan Park radar screen. "Even in the second inning, I was able to maintain my velo. I feel like, for me, that’s the best part."

Montas' first opposing batter of the game, Ian Happ, struck out looking at an 86 mph splitter. Two batters later, Christopher Morel was frozen by a 96 mph fastball for strike three.

The Reds have 10 starting pitchers in camp competing for the rotation, but there is little doubt that if he remains healthy, Montas will be one of the five starters.

"He came in ready, almost to the point that he looks ready to go for the season," Reds manager David Bell said. “He’s on a mission to be healthy and show what he’s able to do.”

Being healthy, of course, is no pedestrian matter for Montas, and he will need to keep building up innings before taking the mound in the regular season.

One year ago while with the Yankees, Montas underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder and was limited to one relief appearance in September for 1 1/3 innings. That represented his entire season.

Shoulder issues plagued Montas going back to late in 2022, after the A's moved him to New York at the Trade Deadline. Before the deal, Montas had a 3.18 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 19 starts. In eight starts for the Yankees, he had a 6.35 ERA and 1.54 WHIP before going on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.

All signs in Reds camp are pointing to Montas being fully healed and full of octane on his pitches. He looks to be back in the form that made him the Oakland ace in 2021, when he was 13-9 with a 3.37 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 207 strikeouts in 32 starts and 187 innings.

“I would say, if anything, he looks better," catcher Luke Maile said. "The fastballs he’s thrown so far have been really impressive. He was always a guy that could command the strike zone pretty well. But he’s been rearing back and letting it go early and often here in camp and that’s a good sign. It means he’s feeling good.”

Even before facing competition again, Montas has hit all the right notes for Cincinnati when it comes to fitting in among a relatively young clubhouse and pitching staff. Since he lives in Arizona during the offseason, he was at the team complex a month early to throw bullpen sessions.

"I’ve been catching a lot of his bullpens, his live BPs. He’s looking great," catcher Tyler Stephenson said. "He’s a Grade-A human, an awesome guy.”

During the Reds' winter caravan in late January, Montas was among those on the trip. He was a hit with fans and fellow players and staff.

At the team complex, inside and outside of the clubhouse, players of all ages have enjoyed being around Montas, who turns 31 on March 21.

“So far, he’s been very much a leader," pitching coach Derek Johnson said. "He’s been down here a long time. It seems like the younger players gravitate to him. So there is a leadership role there that he’s taken on. He does have a presence about him."

Leadership isn't a role Montas is seeking or politicking for. But for a Reds team seeking to have enough strong starters to lead them into the postseason, it gives him added value.

"I just try to be myself. That’s who I am," Montas said. "I love what I do. I’m trying to help my team wherever I can. If I’m pitching or helping someone get better, it means I’m helping the team, as well."