[MontrealExpos]

The Montreal Gazette
May 1, 2024
By Chris Davenport

Expos Struggle Through April, But Organization Stays the Course

MONTREAL – The Montreal Expos closed the first full month of their return to Major League Baseball with a 6-23 record, a harsh but unsurprising reality for a team navigating both a roster rebuild and the emotional weight of relocation. While the results on the field have been frustrating, the team remains committed to a long-term vision, with front office discussions already hinting at adjustments on the horizon.

The Challenge of a Franchise in Transition

“I’m not going to sugarcoat it, we knew this season would be tough,” said General Manager Fred Bergeron. “You don’t just move a franchise overnight and expect everything to click. These players didn’t just change uniforms, they uprooted their entire lives. Families moved, routines changed, and that takes a toll. That’s not an excuse, it’s reality.”

Bergeron’s words reflect a larger sentiment within the organization: patience is key, but so is recognizing when changes need to be made. While there’s no panic in the front office, there is an understanding that certain roster moves will be necessary to start laying the foundation for future success.

Bright Spots in a Tough Month

Despite the record, several players have stepped up and performed at a high level. Eddie Rosario, Victor Robles, Stone Garrett, Luis Garcia, Jesse Winker, Keibert Ruiz, and MJ Melendez have all provided offensive stability in an otherwise inconsistent lineup.

Rosario and Robles have been among the team’s most reliable hitters, both hovering around the .300 mark with strong on-base numbers. Winker, despite some streakiness, has shown clutch hitting ability, and Garcia continues to be a key piece in the infield, leading the team in extra-base hits. Meanwhile, Melendez, acquired in a mid-April trade, has quickly made his presence felt, both on the field and in the clubhouse.

“I love this group,” said Melendez. “We have a lot of guys fighting every day, putting in the work. Obviously, nobody likes losing, but we’re trying to build something here, and that’s going to take time.”

Keibert Ruiz, who has been handling the pitching staff while also contributing at the plate, echoed that sentiment: “The biggest thing right now is staying positive. Nobody here is giving up. We just have to keep grinding.”

Abrams and Yepez Struggle to Find Their Rhythm

While some players have thrived, others have struggled to find consistency. CJ Abrams and Juan Yepez have had a rough start to the season, with Abrams hitting below .200 and Yepez failing to provide the offensive punch the team had hoped for.

“I know I have to be better,” said Abrams. “I’m not going to sit here and make excuses. I just have to find my timing, trust my approach, and get back to playing my game.”

Yepez, who was expected to provide some middle-of-the-lineup power, remains optimistic but understands the frustration: “This game will humble you quick. I’m working every day to turn things around.”

Rotation Woes and Hope on the Horizon

If there’s one area where the Expos have truly struggled, it has been the starting rotation. The numbers tell the story:

Joan Adon (1-4, 8.48 ERA) has struggled with command, often getting hit hard early in games.

MacKenzie Gore (1-3, 5.28 ERA) has flashed potential but remains inconsistent.

Josiah Gray (0-4, 8.49 ERA) has been hit the hardest, failing to get deep into games.

DJ Herz (0-3, 5.54 ERA) and Trevor Williams (0-1, 4.62 ERA) have provided mixed results.

The bullpen has also been taxed, with relievers Kyle Finnegan, Hunter Harvey, and Dylan Floro carrying a heavy workload.

However, help may be on the way. Cade Cavalli, one of the team’s most promising young arms, is nearing a return from injury, and his presence could help stabilize a rotation that has struggled to go deep into games. The 25-year-old right-hander has been ramping up in simulated outings and is expected to rejoin the team later this month.

“We’re excited to get Cade back,” said manager Dave Martinez. “He’s a guy who can come in and give us quality innings, and that’s something we really need right now.”

Looking Ahead: Change is Coming?

While the Expos are not rushing to make wholesale changes, the front office is actively evaluating both the roster and coaching staff.

“We’re going to make the right moves, not the rushed ones,” Bergeron said. “If we see areas where we need to tweak things, we will. We’re in this for the long haul.”

For now, the team will try to right the ship as they head into May, with an upcoming road trip against the Texas Rangers providing another opportunity to turn the page on a difficult month.

“We have a lot of season left,” Martinez said. “April was tough, but this group isn’t folding. We’ll keep fighting, and we’ll keep building.”