How about this, Chicago White Sox fans: starting pitcher for the Double-A Birmingham Barons Frankie Montas tossed a no-hitter on Tuesday night against the Tennessee Smokies, the first no-hitter for the Barons in 20 years.
This was a seven-inning no-hitter for Montas, as the game was a scheduled seven-inning contest.
Tyler Brown of the Birmingham Barons’ official web site wrote this about the performance:
"“The right-hander walked three and struck out three over the seven-inning contest. Two double plays, courtesy of shortstop Tim Anderson and first baseman Danny Hayes, helped keep the historic feat intact … It is the first win of the season for Montas, as the prospect improved to 1-1 and lowered his ERA to 2.50.”"
This is a good sign for the White Sox farm system, because Montas should be a part of the future of the White Sox since he’s the No. 2 prospect of the organization. On the day of the no-hitter, Montas was also selected to the Southern League All-Star Game.
In six minor league seasons, Montas is 12-21 overall with a 3.94 ERA in stops at Single-A and Double-A levels with the Boston Red Sox and the White Sox. Montas was acquired by the White Sox organization on July 31, 2013 when they traded Jake Peavy to the Boston Red Sox.
In 54 innings this season with the Barons, Montas has allowed 41 hits, 19 runs (15 earned) and has walked 22 in his 10 starts. He’s also collected 40 strikeouts and has held the opposition to a .234 batting average.
On the MLB.com prospect rankings for the White Sox, the 22-year-old Montas is graded with a 70 fastball, along with a 60 slider and 50 change-up. He’s graded with 45 control and a 55 pitcher overall.
The MLB.com scouting report of Montas says the following:
"“Montas continues to bring the heat, working at 93-97 mph, peaking at 102 and imparting some sink and cut on his fastball. His mid-80s slider can reach 88 mph and be a well above-average pitch at its best, though it also flattens out and gets hittable. Likewise, he can show feel for a changeup with fade at times but have the pitch look like a batting-practice fastball at times.”"
Montas threw just 77 pitches in the seven-inning no-hitter, with 47 of his pitches being strikes.
With Montas, it is all about the continued improvement. The White Sox are in no hurry to have him up at the Majors right this moment, but in a year or two they most likely will need him in the rotation somewhere with the possibility of John Danks and even Jeff Samardzija not being in the rotation after this season or two seasons at the most.
Having a WHIP of 1.17, and along with his other aforementioned numbers, the progress on Montas seems to be going well and on the correct path.
Next: Kottaras an option for the White Sox at catcher