Notes: Montas on honor; Smith turns heads

Frankie Montas is known to carry an infectious smile throughout the A’s clubhouse. After learning of the first American League Player of the Week Award of his career on Monday morning, that smile grew a bit larger.

A week of domination was rewarded as Montas went 2-0 in starts against the Mariners and Astros. The right-hander allowed just one run and struck out 14 batters in 14 innings over the award-winning week.

“It means a lot,” Montas said before Monday’s game against the Angels in Anaheim. “After seeing the way I was working during the shutdown, to be able to have such an honor is huge for me. I’m really excited and happy about it.”

Montas’ impressive week is part of what has been a strong start to the season. Through four starts, Montas is 2-1 with a 1.57 ERA, which ranked fourth-best in the AL entering Monday. He’s struck out 22 batters while walking only nine over 23 innings.

After a dominant first half of 2019, Montas gained a confidence boost that has carried over to 2020. It’s a swagger that he said comes with experience, as the 27-year-old is now in his fifth Major League season.

“I just feel like I’ve gotten more comfortable in the league," Montas said. "I know the teams and the players. I’m just trying to have fun. Trying to go out there and enjoy the game, and also do my job at the same time.”

The award comes at a time when the A’s are riding the wave as the hottest team in baseball. Fresh off a three-game sweep of the Astros, Oakland entered Monday night’s game on a Major League-best nine-game winning streak.

“It’s not just me. This run has given our whole team confidence,” Montas said. “It’s like, ‘Hey, we can go out there and just keep winning.’ That’s a big thing for the whole team.”

A’s manager Bob Melvin said he was not surprised to see Montas take home the award.

"It plays right into what we’ve been talking about with him and how he’s come to a point where now he’s one of those guys the other team does not want to face,” Melvin said. “He took it real seriously going into this season. He came in with something to prove after last year. It’s well deserved.”

Burch Smith turning heads
There may not be a bigger surprise in baseball than the roll Burch Smith is on to begin the season. Arriving to the A’s in a Spring Training trade from the Giants for cash considerations, Smith was a long shot to make the club, coming off a 2019 campaign which saw him post a 5.48 ERA over 17 games with the Brewers and Giants.

After an impressive showing in Summer Camp, Smith has been flawless out of the A’s bullpen, entering Monday night yet to allow a run in 10 1/3 innings over his first five appearances. Opponents are 4-for-35 (.114) with a walk against Smith, and his innings pitched are second-most in the Majors among relievers.

“He’s been an absolute godsend for us,” Melvin said. “He elevates the ball well. Got a better changeup than I thought. He’s pitching with confidence. I think he’s inspired by the results the bullpen is getting as well. He wants to fit in and establish himself as a Major Leaguer, and he’s well on his way to doing that.”

Smith tossed three scoreless innings on Sunday to finish off a three-game sweep of the Astros, marking the second straight appearance in which he’s gone at least three innings and did not allow a run.

“I never met him before we got him. I told him he’s the type of pitcher I get excited to watch,” Montas said. “When he pitches, I’m trying to see every pitch he throws. He’s really good.”

As for the price it took to acquire him from the Giants?

“I told him, ‘Man, they messed up pretty bad’,” Montas said.