"Best case is he would be back late in the season" - New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone shares dispiriting news about Frankie Montas' return

The New York Yankees were one of the best pitching teams in the American League last season. With a team ERA of 3.90, the only AL team with a lower number was the Houston Astros.

Their supreme ability on the mound was demonstrated nowhere more pertinently than in their starting rotation. Now, it looks like one of the new additions to the lineup won't be making his New York Yankees debut anytime soon.

Frankie Montas was acquired by the New York Yankees in a trade from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline last season. He made eight starts for the Yankees in 2022, posting an ERA of 6.35 and a record of 1-3.

Montas, who played for the Oakland Athletics since 2017, was hoping to have a rebound season in 2023. However, it appears that the 6-foot-2 Dominican right-hander may have to wait.

"Aaron Boone announces that Frankie Montas will undergo shoulder surgery on Feb 21. 'Best case is he would be back late in the season'" - YES Network

Speaking at the New York Yankees Spring Training Facility in Tampa, manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Montas would need back surgery. Boone said:

"He was building back up, but it still wasn't quite right. So we went back, and now we've gotten to the point (of back surgery)."

Pressed for answers as to when Frankie Montas will be back in the rotation, Boone explained that the team could cautiously hope to have him back "late in the season." Boone said that Montas will be undergoing the procedure on Feb. 21.

Frankie Montas has been experiencing inflammation in his right shoulder for some time now. After pitchers and catchers reported for MLB spring training on Feb. 13, it soon became clear that Montas needed to undergo surgery to remedy the issues with his shoulders. The Yankees will kick off their preseason against the Philadelphia Phillies on Feb. 25.

"Frankie Montas will undergo surgery next week to repair a shoulder issue. What a brutal loss for the Yankees. What are your thoughts? #NYY" - Fireside Yankees

Even without Frankie Montas, New York Yankees pitching will be hard to crack in 2023

Fortunately for Boone, he has more to his rotation than just Frankie Montas. Carlos Rodon, who posted a 2.88 ERA with the San Francisco Giants last season, is game ready. Nestor Cortes has penned a new contract and will be looking to build on his career year last season.