New York Yankees: Candidates for fifth starter role

Jordan Montgomery

In theory, Jordan Montgomery has the inside track when it comes to the New York Yankees fifth starter spot.

He appeared to be a future mainstay in the rotation as a rookie in 2017, as he posted a respectable 9-7 record with a 3.88 ERA and a 1.230 WHiP. Over his 155.1 innings, Montgomery struck out 144 batters while issuing just 51 walks. That strong showing continued in the first part of 2018, as Montgomery pitched well in his first six outings.

Unfortunately, disaster struck in that second year. Montgomery underwent Tommy John surgery, cutting short his promising sophomore season. While he did return for two games later in 2019, the results were predictably uneven, as he allowed three runs on seven hits over four innings. Montgomery did strike out five batters, however, showing some of the form that had been there before his injury.

Now that he is healthy, he has another chance to stake his claim as a future mainstay in the Yankees rotation. Given Happ’s tenuous grasp on a spot on the roster, it is possible that Montgomery could remain in the rotation beyond Paxton’s injury or German’s suspension. But he would need to show that he is the pitcher he had been before missing most of the past two seasons.

Jordan Montgomery likely has the inside track to the New York Yankees fifth rotation spot. It depends on whether or not he can be the pitcher he had been in 2017.