3 years agoOakland Athletics starting pitcher Frankie Montas allowed two runs in five innings pitched while taking the loss Wednesday against the Astros. Montas struck out six, but needed 98 pitches to complete five innings as he had traffic on the bases all night long. The 28-year-old came into the season with high expectations after averaging over a strikeout-per-inning each of the last two seasons, but Montas has failed to deliver through nine starts. He's got a 4.79 ERA supported by a FIP and xFIP both over 4.60. Worst of all, he's striking out fewer batters (21.4% strikeout rate) but giving up more hard contact as he's allowed an 11.9 percent barrel rate. Montas will look to rebound in a good matchup next time out against the Mariners.--Mike Schwarzenbach - RotoBaller
Source: ESPN.com