ARLINGTON, Texas — The biggest plus Monday for the Seattle Mariners in a disappointing 3-2 loss to Texas came from lefty Mike Montgomery in his big-league debut as a reliever.
Montgomery struck out the side in the seventh inning after replacing Felix Hernandez before working around a one-out walk in a scoreless eighth inning.
“It was a good way to start, for sure,” Montgomery said. “It was exciting, my first opening day. It went well. I fell behind 2-1 (on the first batter), and then I came back and struck him out. It was a calming feeling to get the first out.”
Montgomery, 26, shifted to bullpen duty in mid-March after eight professional seasons as a starter.
The Mariners made the move for two reasons: Montgomery is out of options, and club officials didn’t see him as a first-tier candidate for the rotation. And Charlie Furbush’s continuing shoulder problems had thinned the pool of lefty relievers.
“It is a work in progress,” manager Scott Servais said late in spring. “I like Mike’s stuff. I think he has a chance to have a huge year for us in that role. It’s just a matter of getting him comfortable.”
Montgomery appeared comfortable on Monday.
“That was awesome to see,” Servais said. “I’m looking forward to many more of those. He’s never been a reliever before. We liked what we saw coming out of spring training. He’s starting to get a feel for it.
“I thought it was just outstanding (on Monday). That’s what he is. Come in, big stuff, pound the strike zone. Go right after them.”
Montgomery admits he’s still adjusting to the new role.
“It’s definitely a little different,” he said. “It’s a lot harder to control your adrenaline. You’ve got to get ready quick, and you’ve just got to get the guys out you face.”
On Monday, Montgomery said he got “a little amped up” the first time he began warming in the bullpen. Circumstances permitted him to sit a few minutes and collect himself. When he got back up, he felt more under control.
He then retired six of seven of seven batters, including four by strikeout. A good first step.
“I think I can get the job done, for sure,” he said. “I feel comfortable. I’ve done it for a month now. Coming in for one inning, or a few innings, you know you can let it go a little more.”
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