Last night during their 7-5 win over the Phillies, the Atlanta Braves added to their rotation by taking Rafael Montero off the hands of the Astros. The next question after the trade was when would we see Montero eventually show up in a Braves uniform. The answer to that question is “very soon,” because the Braves have gone ahead and reported Montero to Atlanta, sending down right-hander Zach Thompson as a result.
The #Braves today reported RHP Rafael Montero to Atlanta and optioned RHP Zach Thompson to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 9, 2025
Thompson didn’t make any appearances for the Braves outside of spring training, which is when he pitched nine innings and struck out five batters while giving up one run on seven hits and three walks. The fact that Thompson didn’t get an appearance while he was with the Braves seems to indicate that he was the clear odd man out here, as the Braves figure to use Montero and his experience as a reliever.
Brian Snitker was asked about Montero during the postgame press conference last night and in typical Snitker fashion, he simply stated that Montero will “fit into the bullpen” and also talked about how Montero was a big part of Houston’s bullpen, especially during their World Series matchup back in 2021. He’s excited to bring him in and hopes that a change of scenery will help for Montero going forward.
The feeling among the fanbase is surely mutual, as I think we’re all hoping that Montero can provide a boost to a bullpen that’s still trying to really find its footing here in the opening stages of the season.
