New York Yankees: the importance of Jordan Montgomery

Injuries to the New York Yankees starting rotation has opened the door for Jordan Montgomery to remake a name for himself.

New York Yankees starter Jordan Montgomery knows the trials and tribulations of injuries. When the news broke earlier this spring about Luis Severino needing Tommy John surgery, Montgomery could relate. Early June of 2018 is when Montgomery went under the knife and he’s pitched in only two games since.

Severino will miss the entire season, CC Sabathia is still retired, and John Paxton isn’t expected to rejoin the staff until May. Open the door for Montgomery, who appears to be the favorite to land the four-spot in the Yankees rotation.

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Montgomery has looked sharp thus far in spring training, recently coming off a four-strikeout performance in two innings pitched Saturday. He has yet to surrender a run and has seven strikeouts spanning four innings in his initial spring work.

Yes, these are spring numbers and they do not carry much weight though they are encouraging signs for a pitcher returning from major arm surgery.

Montgomery had a very serviceable rookie season pitching to a record of 9-7 with a 3.88 earned run average in 2017. He made 29 starts and finished sixth in the rookie of the year voting. His 2018 started strong before ultimately being cut short because of injury.

Entering the season Montgomery was being projected as the fifth arm in a very strong rotation. His importance just escalated with the injuries the Yankees have endured. J.A. Happ remains a wild card and with Montgomery looking like a good fit to be moved up a day in the rotation, multiple arms will battle for the fifth spot.

The New York Yankees will be leaning on Jordan Montgomery to provide quality starts this year and early results from spring are positive. He could carve out a permanent spot in the rotation even after Paxton returns from the injured list.