New York Yankees’ pitcher Jordan Montgomery in favor of playing the season in Arizona

new york yankees, jordan montgomery
May 1, 2018; Houston, TX, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (47) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees were supposed to be playing MLB games by now. In fact, the season was scheduled to start on March 26, but because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, most professional leagues and circuits around the world had to halt their operations. We are currently in a wait-and-see approach as there are discussions to play all games in Arizona in a matter of weeks.

While that doesn’t seem realistic as of now, given that the United States is the country with the most cases and deaths associated with the COVID-19, the league is currently considering a plan that would have all teams, including the Yankees, play a shortened schedule in the desert. Another idea is to play in Arizona and Florida with spring training divisions, but that one lost a little traction, it seems.

The Arizona plan would include sequestering all clubs in Arizona for the entire season, putting them on a bubble to try and avoid further spreading of the virus. However, it would prevent players from seeing their families for months.

Recently, Adam Ottavino said that while he didn’t have many details about the plan, he would be on board because he wants to return to the field as soon as possible. Now, lefty Jordan Montgomery also said that he would support such a plan.

The Yankees’ starter offered his support

The left-hander, slated to start the season as the Yankees’ fifth starter, wrote a column in the New York Post explaining why he is on board with the idea.

“I’m getting more optimistic that we’re going to have a baseball season this year after hearing Dr. Anthony Fauci say we could have a season without fans. I don’t think they would release that statement without it being a real possibility. I think it’s going to happen sooner or later. … I’d be fine with the “Arizona plan” of keeping us all in Phoenix-area hotels and transporting us from there to the ballparks and back. That’s basically what I’m doing now, except we’d be playing baseball. I’d be really excited about it,” he wrote.

New York Yankees’ catcher Kyle Higashioka has also stated he would be on board with the project. However, other MLB stars such as Mike Trout and former Yankee Mark Teixeira are among the many voices in the opposition.