The 2023 MLB season is less than two months away. Ahead of the opening day, the spring training will begin in mid-February. The trade deadlines have almost ended, and the international free agency market has opened up. Moreover, the New York Yankees, who have a set bullpen for the upcoming season, are the first to jump in as they are signing Cuban hitter Brandon Mayea for $4.35 million.
The Yankees, awaiting championship title for 13 years, have built a strong bullpen for the 2023 season. Along with the bullpen, the club has also focused on strengthening the front office. However, things are going haywire for the Yankees even before the season commences. According to fresh initial reports, a notable pitcher has suffered from a shoulder injury and is likely to miss out on the initial games of the season.
Frankie Montas Ruled Out For One Month Due To Shoulder Injury
Every year, the Bronx Bombers try to break the 13-year-old jinx. However, luck always gets in their way. Meanwhile, luck has once again ditched the Bombers. Ahead of the spring training, reports have come in that pitcher Frankie Montas has regained his shoulder injury and will likely miss the first month of the 2023 season. Incidentally, a shoulder injury hampered Montas’ 2022 season as well when he had to sit out of the final two weeks of the tournament.
The New York Post reports that the shoulder injury that kept Montas out of the final weeks of the 2022 season has reappeared. Moreover, the injury is likely to keep Frankie Montas out for at least 8-10 weeks. As a result, the pitcher will miss the first whole month and beyond owing to the injury. This surely is a major blow for the Yankees, and they will have to replan their starting roster. FYI, the Yankees re-signed Frankie Montas a few days back, just before the trade deadline ended. Montas, while avoiding arbitration, signed a one-year deal worth $7.5 million.
How Will Montas’ Absence Affect The Yankee Roster?
After signing Frankie Montas, Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, confirmed that Montas would feature in the starting roster for the Bombers. As of now, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon are expected to lead the pitching rotation, whereas Luis Severino and Nestor Cortes will follow. The next in line was Montas. However, after his injury, Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt are next in line to take his place in the 5th position.
New York Yankees have emphasized on building a strong pitching rotation this season. While acquiring Carlos Rodon, Aaron Boone admitted that the current rotation is the best under his reign. Moreover, he added that the current pitching rotation has the potential to produce wonders for the Yankees. However, after Frankie Montas’ injury, the Bomber will have to move back to the drawing board and alter the strategy. To conclude, the opening day is approaching at an alarming rate, and the Yankees have limited time to put up a workable plan.