New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery is looking to get back on track following Tommy John surgery that sent him to the IL for the majority of the last two seasons.
The southpaw of Sumter, South Carolina, had an impressive 2017 rookie campaign. He had a 9-7 record with a 3.88 ERA in 155.1 innings pitched. Montgomery rang up 144 batters and had a 1.230 WHIP.
After just six starts in 2018, Montgomery didn’t feel right. After resting for a while on the IL, it was decided that he would undergo Tommy John surgery. He missed the rest of 2018 and made only two appearances in 2019, both at the end of the year.
2020 Expectations:
With the news that James Paxton is going on the IL to start the 2020 season, Montgomery will probably be back in the starting rotation once camp breaks.
In the early part of the season, it may be a contest between him and JA Happ on who keeps the spot once Paxton is healthy. Whoever is worse will likely go to the bullpen.
But, come June and Domingo German’s reinstatement, both pitchers may be relocated to the bullpen unless one or both are having stellar seasons.
Since Montgomery will be the fifth starter, they need him to pitch similar to how he did in 2017. His 2017 stat line is fantastic for a fifth starter. It would be great if he were better than in 2017, but it’s not necessary for the team’s success. He needs to be consistent and get the game to the bullpen after the fifth or sixth inning without a huge mess.
The Yankees are hoping Jordan Montgomery can return to his normal self in 2020 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.