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Seattle Mariners

Jesus Montero making remarkable comeback after hitting rock bottom

Mariners first baseman Jesus Montero is making the most of his second chance. (Associated Press)
Bob Dutton Tacoma News Tribune

It’s been nearly a year now since Jesus Montero hit rock bottom in Boise, Idaho. Since the night he snapped and charged toward the stands when taunted by a since-fired Mariners scout in a bizarre incident.

The transformation is remarkable. And ongoing.

Montero, at 25, has beaten the odds in reestablishing his credentials as a legitimate prospect while emerging as a feel-good story in what, for the Mariners, stands as a dismally disappointing season.

“Thank God for all of the support from my family,” he said. “All of the support from everyone helped me to keep everything on track. My daughter and my wife, they sacrificed a lot of things.

“I turned the page.”

Viewed as one of the game’s top prospects when acquired from the Yankees prior to the 2012 season, Montero nearly threw it all away.

His weight ballooned. His defensive struggles forced a rocky position change from catcher to first base. He battled injuries and received a 50-game suspension for his connection to the Biogenesis drug scandal.

The incident in Boise was the final straw. The Mariners suspended him, and his career hung in the balance. Montero vowed to change. The Mariners gave him another chance. A final chance.

Montero turned heads at spring training after losing 45 pounds in the off-season. He remained upbeat when shipped to the minors early in camp and responded by producing eye-popping numbers at Triple-A Tacoma.

That led to a 10-day promotion last month. Montero played little — he got just 10 at-bats — but when it ended, he cheerfully returned to the Rainiers, vowing to work harder to get a longer opportunity.

The Mariners recalled Montero last Friday as part of roster makeover after making three trades just prior to the non-waiver deadline.

And this time, Montero figures to get an extended look to determine whether he can replicate his success at the big-league level.

Beltre hits for third career cycle

Adrian Beltre became the first major leaguer since the 1930s to hit for his third career cycle and the Texas Rangers held on for a wild 12-9 victory over the A.L. West- leading Houston Astros on Monday night.

Beltre’s solo homer in the fifth, a liner deep into the seats in left field, completed the cycle against three Houston pitchers.

Clearing the bases

Athletics left fielder Coco Crisp has been activated from the 60-day disabled list after being sidelined with a strained neck since May 20. . … Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett is hopeful of pitching again this season after an MRI on his pitching elbow revealed a strained flexor tendon rather than a torn ligament. … First baseman/outfielder Michael Morse has joined the Pirates, three days after being acquired from the Dodgers in a trade. … The game between the Chicago Cubs and Pirates in Pittsburgh was postponed Monday night. No makeup date was announced.