Braden Montgomery Shines in Arizona Fall League Return
Braden Montgomery, the highly touted outfield prospect for the Chicago White Sox, marked his return from injury in spectacular fashion during his debut in the Arizona Fall League. After an unfortunate setback at the end of his first full professional season, Montgomery showcased his skills and resilience on the field, reaching base in all four of his appearances.
Injury Setback and Comeback Trail
Montgomery’s rise to prominence among White Sox prospects has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 22 years old, he had established himself as the top prospect within the organization. However, his promising season took a turn on September 6, when he sustained a small fracture in his right foot after being hit by a pitch while playing for the Double-A Birmingham Barons. The injury not only sidelined him for Birmingham’s Southern League championship run but also kept him out of action for the initial weeks of the Arizona Fall League.
A Dynamic Debut
Returning to the diamond on Tuesday, Montgomery took the field with the Glendale Desert Dogs, joining eight fellow White Sox prospects. Positioned in right field and batting third in the lineup, he wasted no time making his presence felt. On just the second pitch he faced—a cutter that caught too much of the plate—Montgomery launched a powerful RBI double to center field, registering an impressive exit velocity of 110.2 mph.
But Montgomery’s impact didn’t end there. He exhibited remarkable patience in his subsequent plate appearances, drawing walks on three occasions. His final line for the night read 1-for-1 with a double, one RBI, and three walks, even as the Desert Dogs fell to a 6-3 loss.
A Promising Future Ahead
This strong performance not only signals Montgomery’s return to form but also highlights his potential as a key player for the White Sox moving forward. As the fall league progresses, all eyes will be on Montgomery to see if he can maintain this momentum and build on his already impressive resume.