The New York Yankees may soon find themselves in a difficult position.
Veteran right-hander Frankie Montas, who was acquired from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline last August, has been unable to throw lately due to shoulder issues.
Today, the Yankees received more bad news on the right-hander.
According to manager Aaron Boone, Montas will indeed undergo shoulder surgery on February 21.
The Yankees were already expecting to be without the right-hander for at least the first month of the 2023 season, but this could ultimately put Montas’ entire season in jeopardy.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post confirmed Boone’s report.
Frankie Montas will have shoulder surgery on 2/21, Aaron Boone said
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) February 15, 2023
This is bad news for the Yankees and Montas.
Granted, Montas struggled in his new uniform, going 1-3 in six starts with a 6.35 ERA.
In total, Montas started 27 games between the Athletics and the Yankees in 2022 and went 5-12 with a 4.05 ERA.
Still, a healthy Montas could have been a major boost for the Yankees.
They’ll still have Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, and Luis Severino in their rotation.
They also have several internal options to fill the fifth spot while Montas is recovering, such as Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia.
But it is very possible that Montas may have already pitched his last game in Yankee pinstripes.
The 29-year-old appeared in Game 1 of the ALCS against the Houston Astros and allowed a run in an inning of work, while also striking out a batter.
The Astros went on to sweep the Yankees and ultimately defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series.
NEXT: The Yankees Are Getting An Early Start In 2023
