Frankie Montas lasts three innings in Yankees debut

Aug 7, 2022; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Frankie Montas (47) pitches against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Frankie Montas lasts just three innings in debut for Yankees

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 8/7/22

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.

Arenado puts one in the Yankees' bullpen and the #STLCards are back in front!!!

TV: Bally Sports Midwest
Stream: https://t.co/AaaaJBH5CV pic.twitter.com/C7b2vil2fX
— Bally Sports Midwest (@BallySportsMW) August 7, 2022

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."