What happened: Montgomery has converted six of eight save opportunities with a 3.19 ERA across 53.2 innings this season. His 100-101 mph fastball complements a slider, sinker and curveball.
Why it matters: Pittsburgh's bullpen helped derail a once-promising season, making late-inning stability a roster priority. Montgomery arrived in the Brandon Lowe trade, extending the deal's potential impact beyond Lowe's approaching free agency.
By the numbers: Montgomery posted a 1.46 ERA with 23 strikeouts and a .073 opponent average July innings. Through 8.2 August innings, he had allowed no runs and recorded 18 strikeouts against four hits and one walk for a 0.58 WHIP.
What to watch: Pittsburgh leads the series 2-0 but trails San Diego 2-0 in the live finale. Montgomery's next save opportunity will offer another measure of his recent command gains.