New York Yankees: Jordan Montgomery ready for a big role in 2020

New York Yankees, Jordan Montgomery
Apr 21, 2018; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (47) pitches against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

NEW YORK YANKEES – With the news of Domingo German being suspended for a “significant time of the season, Jordan Montgomery is expected to step in and take the fifth spot in the rotation for next season.

“I’m treating this season like it’s 2017,” said Montgomery. “I’m really going in there fighting for a spot. I’ve been out for so long, I don’t really think I’m guaranteed anything so I’ve been working hard and having the mentality that I’m going to go out there and win (my role) back.”

Montgomery missed all of the 2018 season and pretty much all of 2019 except for two games at the end getting and rehabbing from Tommy John surgery. His last full season was in 2017 where he started 29 games, posting a 3.88 ERA with a 9-7 record. In 155.1 innings pitched, Montgomery had a solid rookie season and even ended sixth in the Rookie of the Year voting.

“(I’m) doing everything that I can to start the spring prepared, strong, and as ready as I can be,” said Montgomery on an interview with MLB Network.

Montgomery had also mentioned that he’s been talking to newly hired pitching coach, Matt Blake, on what he can work on to get himself ready for the season and also to keep doing things that he’s good at. Montgomery said he’s looking forward to having a relationship with Blake because he knows how much Blake can help.

I think Montgomery can come in and be a perfect fit at the end of the rotation. He’s a solid left-hander with an arsenal of pitches that can be really effective for the team.