Forgotten Padres top pitching prospect taking advantage of last chance in AFL

The San Diego Padres are no stranger to having high-level pitching prospects. The Friars seemingly always strike gold in the MLB Draft with the arms they select, but more often than they prefer, some of these pitchers have severe injury setbacks.

Carson Montgomery, San Diego's 11th round pick in the 2023 draft, has been one of the bigger worries for the Padres. But, the right-handed flame-thrower is making his way back. After undergoing Tommy John surgery in April 2024, Montgomery has finally returned to the mound — doing so in the Arizona Fall League in Peoria.

Padres prospect Carson Montgomery is making strides to return to full health

Montgomery had not pitched in a professional setting since April 21, 2024. But he has made four starts in the AFL entering Oct. 30. He's posted a 1.74 ERA in 10.1 innings with a 7:7 K:BB ratio. The walks are a little rampant, but Montgomery is still rediscovering his footing. His fastball was reportedly hitting the mid 90s with some biting sinking action.

His overall numbers aren't too bad, and his ability to keep runners from scoring hasn't gone anywhere. Padres management is more than enthused to see that already.

"Some days I'm completely dialed. Some days I don't have it, but I'm just trying to get more consistent with the way I'm feeling," Montgomery said in a video posted by MLB.com.

Montgomery is also still able to rehab in Peoria with the organization, so even though he is re-acclimating to pitching in games, recovering to full health remains the primary goal. Before his injury, Montgomery made his pro debut with Single-A Lake Elsinore. Across three outings, he struck out 10 batters in seven innings. It was a promising start to the 6-foot-3 prospect, but nagging elbow discomfort ultimately led to him getting surgery that sidelined him for a year-and-a-half.

Others familiar with Montgomery's game are also seeing his improvement. It seems like only good things are to come for the 23-year-old.

“He definitely looks a lot better than he did when he was younger,” Enrique Bradfield Jr. (Orioles No. 4 prospect) said. “That's a compliment to his work ethic, just the maturity of growing up and refining your stuff as you go along this journey."