Rafael Montero

Rafael Montero earned the save on Friday against the White Sox, working around a leadoff single to throw a scoreless inning with one strikeout.

Fantasy Impact

Montero was able to rebound after blowing a 1-0 Houston lead in the 8th inning on Thursday. Ryan Pressly will continue to be the primary closer for the Astros, but he was likely unavailable. Montero still holds value in fantasy leagues that account for holds.

Rafael Montero has agreed to a 3-year, $34.5 million deal to return to the Astros.

Fantasy Impact

The 32-year-old is coming off his best season in the big leagues and served as a key piece in the Astros World Series run. Ryan Pressly is still going to be the closer in Houston, but Montero could still have value in fantasy leagues if he keeps up his dominance from last season. He was in at least the 90th percentile in xERA, avg exit velocity, xSLG, and barrel % and had a 27% K rate.

Astros reliever Rafael Montero picked up the save Thursday in a 5-2 win over the Athletics. He tossed a scoreless ninth with two strikeouts along the way.

Fantasy Impact

Montero was filling in for Ryan Pressly, who had picked up saves in back-to-back nights heading into Thursday. It must be a nice relief for Dusty Baker to know that when his closer is not available, he has another elite reliever he can rely on to close out games. That could pay dividends come playoff time.

Astros reliever Rafael Montero tossed a scoreless ninth inning in a 1-0 win over the Texas Rangers Monday.

Fantasy Impact

This was Montero's 12th save of the season and fifth in just over a week. Astros closer Ryan Pressly threw a bullpen session Saturday and is likely to be activated when eligible later this week. That would push Montero back into the setup role in Houston. It was fun while it lasted. However, if Pressly has any setbacks, Montero will finish the season as one of the game's elite closers.

Rafael Montero earned his 11th save of the season in a 4-2 win Friday over the Angels.

Fantasy Impact

Montero needed 14 pitches to retire the side in order, preserving the two-run victory. He picked up two more strikeouts in the process. Until Ryan Pressly returns from his neck injury, Montero should continue to among the league's most reliable closers.