Reliever Rafael Montero arrives at Astros spring training

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Reliever Rafael Montero reported to Astros camp on Friday morning after visa issues caused a weeklong absence.

Montero was the only Houston player who had not reported to spring training. The 32-year-old righthander said he is on schedule and is in “a pretty good spot” despite his late report. Montero is one of 11 Astros scheduled to play in the World Baseball Classic next month. Acquired from Seattle in 2021 as part of the Kendall Graveman trade, Montero flourished last season, finishing with a 1.024 WHIP and 2.37 ERA in 68 ⅓ innings. Manager Dusty Baker often used him as a bridge to setup man Héctor Neris and closer Ryan Pressly.

Days after parting ways with general manager James Click, the team and owner Jim Crane rewarded Montero with a surprising three-year, $34.5 million contract extension, one many rival executives described as a steep overpay. Before last year, Montero had never made more than 44 relief appearances in a season and struggled to harness any consistency.

“I want to thank God for allowing me to have a great season last year and I’m happy I can provide a good life for my family,” Montero said through an interpreter. “ … Last year, I had a really good season and, if it isn’t broken, I don’t think we need to do things to change, but I’m just going to continue improving and working on the things I did last year.

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