Jordan Montgomery has been exactly what St. Louis Cardinals needed

The St. Louis Cardinals had their sights set on improving their starting rotation at the trade deadline. This led to the expectation that they were going to pursue Frankie Montas and/or Luis Castillo. However, they ended up with neither pitcher, instead acquiring Jose Quintana and Jordan Montgomery to upgrade the rotation.

At the time, that result seemed disappointing. Both pitchers were expected to upgrade the back of the rotation, but the Cardinals needed more than fourth and fifth starters. As it turns out, the Cardinals once again knew something that no one else did.

Jordan Montgomery off to tremendous start with St. Louis Cardinals

While it may only be three appearances, Montgomery has been exactly what the Cardinals needed. He has allowed just one run on 12 hits and three walks over his 16.2 innings, striking out 17 batters in that time. He has gone from being the Yankees’ fifth starter to, at worst, a middle of the rotation arm in St. Louis.

Prior to the deadline, the Cardinals truly had two reliable arms in their rotation. Adam Wainwright is having another strong season in what will be his final year. Miles Mikolas is in the midst of a career season and a key part of why the Cardinals are contending for a spot in the playoffs.

Meanwhile, their other pitchers have struggled. Dakota Hudson may be taking the ball every fifth day, but he is barely averaging five innings per start and is walking a tightrope. Steven Matz and Jack Flaherty have been ineffective when they have been on the mound, and both are currently on the Injured List. The Cardinals needed someone to step up.

Montgomery has done exactly that. He has been able to settle in behind Wainwright and Mikolas to give the Cardinals that third arm they need. Once Flaherty finishes his rehab assignment, he could be that final piece in a playoff rotation that would allow the Cardinals to send their trio of legends off into the sunset with a deep run through October.

Jordan Montgomery was viewed as a somewhat underwhelming acquisition for the St. Louis Cardinals. It turns out that he was just what they needed.