Frankie Montas lasts just three innings in debut for Yankees
Ahead of last week's trade deadline, the New York Yankees made one of the biggest splashes, acquiring right-handed starter Frankie Montas from the Oakland Athletics.
Montas made his long-awaited debut in pinstripes on Sunday, but it was one to forget.
The 29-year-old lasted only three innings, allowing six earned runs and walking three in a 12-9 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Tied 1-1, the Yankees posted three runs in the top half of the second inning, but the lead did not last long.
Things unraveled for Montas in the second, after the Cardinals exploded for five runs in the inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from All-Star third baseman Nolan Arenado.
After a scoreless third inning, Montas gave way to reliever Albert Abreu in the fourth after throwing 64 pitches.
Montas hadn't pitched in 10 days, missing a start after being placed on the bereavement list just two days after the trade to the Yankees. However, he didn't make excuses, chalking up his struggles Sunday to mechanical issues.
"I wanted to go out there and show what I could do," Montas told reporters after the game. "That was not the case today, but this is not my last one. It's my first one."
The Yankees' struggles continue, having lost a season-high five games in a row while suffering their first series sweep of 2022.
New York still boasts the highest winning percentage (.642) in the American League, leading the AL East by 9.5 games over the Toronto Blue Jays.
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