Maton has allowed one earned run in September on five hits in 7.1 innings. Of the options I listed, Maton was near the bottom of my preferred options, too.
Montero has pitched better the last couple of months, but most, if not all, of that work, has not come in the late innings with the Astros leading and having to face the best part of the opposition’s lineup.
I want my best relievers facing Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman and Ryan O’Hearn in a shut down inning. That is not Rafael Montero this season. I’d rather have used Neris for that part of the order in the seventh and let Montero face 4/5/6 or lower in the eighth, if necessary.