The New York Yankees could be getting a significant starting pitcher back in their rotation towards the end of the season.
Frankie Montas took a major step in his rehab, as he started a throwing program on Tuesday, as pitching coach Matt Blake told The New York Post.
Montas underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery 14 weeks ago in the beginning of spring training. The right-hander had his labrum cleaned up in the February 21 surgery, which had the Yankees leave the door open for him to return sometime late in the season.
Montas will be a free agent after the season concludes. While a late-season return is possible, the 30-year-old has a long road head in his rehab program.
The norm for pitchers is to build back up in the same amount of time that they were down. This would put Montas on track to be ready by September.
“He’ll be a fresh start,” Blake said on Wednesday in Seattle. “And obviously it’s a shoulder surgery, so it’s a little bit different. There’s going to be some checking in with him to see how he’s progressing in the early stages, making sure everything is structurally sound. So that one will be a little more delicate, just because of the nature of a shoulder surgery.
“But good to see him at least start throwing. He said he feels good in his rehab.”
The Yankees have been without Montas and Carlos Rodon, who is close to facing live hitters, as he makes his way back from a forearm strain and back discomfort. Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt have taken their spots in the rotation.
The Yankees acquired Montas from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline last year. And as Montas later revealed, his shoulder was not 100 percent healthy when he was traded to the Bronx.
In March, Montas said he would "for sure be back this season."
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