Yankees Starter Has Surgery; Timeline Set For Possible Return

The New York Yankees got a little more clarity on when to expect a key member of their starting rotation back on the mound. Frankie Montas had his shoulder surgery, and the Yankees say he'll be shut down from throwing for three months.

Frankie Montas had surgery. It went as expected, Boone says. Won’t throw for 12 weeks. Could return this season. #Yankees

— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 22, 2023

Since the ramp-up to return to action—once he's able to start throwing—will likely be another 12 weeks, that means he'll be out until August at least. But according to reports, the Yankees are still hoping to get him back this season.

In the meantime, Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt are set to battle for the fifth starter's job.

The injury first cropped up in July last season while Montas was with the Oakland A's, and he missed two weeks shortly before the trade deadline. But the Yankees didn't heed the warning signs, and dealt for the 29-year-old  anyway. 

He made eight starts with New York, going 1-3, with a dreadful 6.35 ERA and 1.54 WHIP before his shoulder problems shut him down again after his Sept. 16th start.

Montas will be a free agent after the 2023 season.

Photo: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports