When is Frankie Montas expected to return from right labrum surgery? Recovery timeline detailed

Modified Feb 22, 2023 22:40 GMT

New York Yankees v Tampa Bay Rays — When is Frankie Montas expected to return?

New York Yankees pitcher Frankie Montas was scheduled to undergo shoulder surgery on February 21, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone. According to various reports, the best-case scenario is for Montas to return by August, but it remains to be seen what the surgery entails.

Boone stated that they will have a clearer understanding of Montas' situation after the operation. If it's just a scope, Montas could potentially return later in the season.

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Frankie Montas was already expected to miss the first month of the 2023 season due to shoulder inflammation. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman disclosed in January that the veteran was eight weeks behind in his throwing program.

The Yankees acquired Montas, along with Lou Trivino, from the Oakland Athletics last season. They sent pitchers Ken Waldichuk, JP Sears, Luis Medina, and infielder Cooper Bowman the other way.

Montas was a reliable starter throughout his career in Oakland, giving the Yankees hope that he could help improve their rotation in 2022. However, he struggled in his eight appearances with the Yankees last season, posting a 6.35 ERA, 1.59 WHIP, and 33 strikeouts in 39.2 innings.

What will happen to the Yankees rotation without Frankie Montas?

Losing Montas for the entire 2023 campaign would be a significant blow for the Yankees. They have major championship aspirations after re-signing superstar slugger Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million contract this winter.

However, the team still has a solid rotation, including ace Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, and Nestor Cortes. Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt are expected to battle for the No. 5 starting role.

Frankie Montas' surgery will add to the series of question marks surrounding the Yankees' starting rotation. While the loss of Montas is a depth blow, it was unlikely that he would have cracked the starting rotation. However, the hope was to have the version of Montas that was one of the league's top starters in 2021.

The Yankees' journey to the World Series will kick off this Saturday for their Spring Training opener.