David Chao, MD
2 min read • February 16, 2023
Posted in
The Yankees' trade for Frankie Montas last summer has so far been a failure. Montas never managed a quality start, which is at least six innings pitched with no more than three earned runs in eight outings, after the trade from the Oakland A's. Montas had the second-worst ERA (6.35) of his career in the eight starts he made for the Yankees.
To make matters worse, his chronic shoulder inflammation caused him to opt for surgery.
According to the Pro Baseball Docs, waiting to get the surgery likely hurt his chances of a return before the All-Star break.
Doctors reportedly scoped the issue before deciding on the surgical route and did not end up touching his rotator cuff.
With just the labrum healing, he can begin his throwing program in mid-May at the earliest. That could have him back for the pinstripes at some point in July or early August.
A Yankees pitching coach said Montas was trying to work through the injury without getting surgery.
Montas had issues with his shoulder a ton of times last season. He experienced discomfort after a start on Sept. 16. He got a cortisone injection, and the plan was to shut down throwing for 10 days after being put on the 15-day IL.
He experienced shoulder tightness and got an MRI on his right shoulder that revealed inflammation on Jul. 3, 2022.
Montas has a slight chance to return this season without limitations, but that would be highly unlikely.
Written by David Chao, MD
