Possible Return to Yankees in Sight
LOS ANGELES – Frankie Montas, New York Yankees’ right-hander, has embarked on a journey toward an anticipated late-season comeback, despite a considerable recovery process ahead.
Montas kick-started a throwing program this Tuesday, according to pitching coach Matt Blake, after a 14-week hiatus following arthroscopic shoulder surgery he had during the early phase of spring training.
Montas, who is heading towards free agency after this season, had his labrum treated during the surgical intervention on February 21. The Yankees, at that point, hinted at the possibility of Montas rejoining the team in the later part of the current season.
That possibility is still on the table, but it must be noted that Montas has a substantial recovery process to navigate.
For pitchers, the downtime generally equates to the amount of time required for appropriate conditioning, putting Montas on track for a return by the first week of September.
“He’ll be starting from scratch,” remarked Blake this Wednesday in Seattle. “And clearly it’s a shoulder surgery, so the circumstances are somewhat unique. There’ll be consistent evaluations of his progress in the initial stages, ensuring everything is structurally stable. This case is a little more sensitive given it’s a shoulder surgery.
“But it’s heartening to see him initiate throwing. He reported feeling good during his rehabilitation.”
With the absence of Montas and Carlos Rodon, who is inching closer to facing live hitters in his own recovery from a forearm muscle strain and back issues, the Yankees have adjusted their rotation by incorporating Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt.
