HOUSTON – The Houston Astros have traded relief pitcher Rafael Montero and cash considerations to the Atlanta Braves.
Reports state the cash considerations are around seven million dollars, and the Braves will send the Astros back a player to be named later. Astros General Manager Dana Brown announced on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old Montero has spent the last five seasons with the Astros (2021-25). In 187 games with Houston, he’s posted a 3.82 ERA with 185 strikeouts, a .238 opponent batting average, and a 1.298 WHIP.
Montero was a key member of the 2022 team that won the World Series, as he was part of a combined no-hitter in Game 4 of the World Series. In his postseason career with the Astros, he posted a 2.51 ERA (4ER/14.1IP) with 18 strikeouts and a .143 opponent batting average in 15 appearances.
Montero was signed as an international free agent in 2011 by the New York Mets. He spent the first three seasons with the Mets (2014-17), the next two with the Texas Rangers (2019-20), and then one with the Seattle Mariners (2021).
Montero missed the entire 2018 season due to having Tommy John surgery.
In 11 seasons, Montero has a 22-28 overall record, with a 4.73 ERA, 461 strikeouts, and 30 saves.
The Astros will also recall pitcher Bennett Sousa from Triple-A Sugar Land to replace Montero on the active roster. Sousa will not be available to pitch for the Astros tonight.