The Cincinnati Reds weekend sweep over the Los Angeles Angels saw offseason acquisition Frankie Montas out of Sunday’s game in the first inning. Montas was only 16 pitches into his start when he was struck by a Taylor Ward line drive below his right elbow and was still able to throw out Ward at first base. However, he left the mound after the team trainer examined his arm. X-rays revealed no fractures, but now Montas will be placed on the 15-day injured list with right forearm contusion. In a corresponding move, the Reds called up right-hander Casey Legumina.
If Montas is able to resume throwing later this week, he could have a good chance of returning from the injured list when he’s first eligible return on May 7.
Frankie Montas Shelved with Bruised Forearm
Montas, who signed a one-year, $16 million contract, will miss his next start and more as he was set to start for Friday against the Texas Rangers. He has a 4.19 ERA over 19 1/2 innings for the Reds this season. There was concern that it could have been a serious injury for Montas. He had missed most of the 2023 season due to a right should injury that needed surgery.
“I couldn’t feel my hand. It swelled up right away. It just really hurt at the time,” Montas said. “Anytime you get hit in the arm, especially your pitching arm, you’re a little concerned. A lot of thoughts go through your head.”
After his depature, Brent Suter picked up Montas with 3 1/3 innings of strong work for the series sweep. It was Suter’s second-longest relief outing of his career, allowing four singles and a walk with no runs allowed.
“Obivously your hear is with Frankie taking one right off his favorite arm there, which is a bummer. Suter said after the game Sunday. “It’s like, ‘You’ve to got step up. You’ve got to try to keep the score where it is and go as long as you can’.”
Injury History in Montas Career
Montas had two strong outings before his injury and the Reds are hoping he can regain his form from seasons past. How showed flashes of quality by posting a 3.13 ERA over 161 innings for Oakland during the 2018-19 sesasons. Unfortunately, part of his 2019 season was cut short due to an 80-game PED suspension. After finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young Award voting in 2021, the right-hander pitched well in 2022. The Oakland Athletics moved Montas to the New York Yankees as part of a six-player trade. Things didn’t go well for Montas in the Bronx, who struggled to a 6.35 ERA over eight starts and 39 2/3 innings. Pitching through some shoulder problems saw him spend time on the injured list with inflammation.
Montas underwent shoulder surgery in February and pitched in one game last year.
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