Contract aside, here’s why Astros have no choice but fix Rafael Montero

BUYER'S REMORSE

When the Houston Astros signed Rafael Montero to a 3-year, $34,500,000 contract this offseason many fans and media members were surprised. Montero had one quality season to his name, and landed the fifth-biggest reliever contract in MLB.

Houston did not have a general manager at the time, and as we approach the half-way point of the season, that deal looks like a huge mistake. Montero's ERA is over 7, and he just can't be trusted in any situation.

So what should the Astros do? ESPN Houston's John Granato and Josh Jordan share their thoughts on how the Astros can fix Montero and salvage a troubling situation.

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Listen to The Bench with John Granato and Lance Zierlein weekday mornings on ESPN 97.5 and 92.5 FM!

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The Guardian beat the Astros, 7-5. Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images.

José Ramírez and David Fry homered and Brayan Rocchio added a two-run double as the Cleveland Guardians beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night to snap a 10-game skid.

The victory is Cleveland’s first since June 25th and comes a day after losing to Detroit in 10 innings Sunday.

The score was tied with two outs in the sixth and the Guardians had two on when Rocchio doubled to left field off Steven Okert to put them on top 6-4.

With two outs in the bottom of the inning, Victor Caratini connected off Matt Festa (2-2) on a shot to right field to get Houston within 1.

However, Fry connected with two outs in the ninth to give Cleveland an insurance run.

Emmanuel Clase pitched a perfect ninth for his 19th save.

Taylor Trammell added a three-run home run for his first hit this season and Isaac Paredes had a solo shot for the AL West-leading Astros, who lost for just the second time in eight games.

Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee allowed four hits and four runs in 4 2/3 innings.

Colton Gordon (3-2) yielded seven hits and five runs in 5 2/3 innings for the Astros.

There were runners on second and third with no outs in the fifth when Steven Kwan lined an RBI single that hit Gordon in the head. The pitcher fell to the ground as his cap flew off but quickly got to his feet. He was checked on by a trainer and threw some warmup pitches before remaining in the game.

Ramírez homered to left field with two outs in the inning to make it 4-0.

Trammell’s shot to the seats in left field cut the lead to 4-3 in the bottom of the inning.

There were two outs in the inning when Paredes smacked his home run off the foul pole in left field to tie it and chase Bibee.

Key moment

Rocchio’s double that gave Cleveland the lead for good.

Key stat

The Guardians won despite going 3 for 11 with runners in scoring position.

Up next

Astros RHP Hunter Brown (9-3, 1.82 ERA) opposes Guardians LHP Joey Cantillo (1-0, 3.41) when the series continues Tuesday night.

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