The New York Yankees are preparing to take on the Atlanta Braves on Monday evening in the first game of a two-game series which will conclude on Tuesday. Starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery will take the mound, hosting a 3.77 ERA with 9.13 strikeouts per nine this year. Over 22 games, Montgomery has pitched 119.1 innings, more than his past three seasons combined.
In Jordan’s last outing on August 17 against the Boston Red Sox, he lasted 4.2 innings, allowing five hits and three earned runs, striking out six batters. Over his last five starts, Montgomery has given up just four runs, which has helped the Yankees tremendously in their quest to make a comeback in the AL East.
However, the Bombers are dealing with a few injuries this week, as they placed left-handed pitcher Zack Britton on the ten-day injured list with a left elbow sprain. Britton hosts a 5.89 ERA this season over 22 appearances.
This has been his most tumultuous campaign to date, recording a career-high 6.87 walks per nine and 0.98 home runs per nine. Unfortunately, his fastball is being delivered 2+ mph less compared to his 2020 FB. Hovering around 92.6 mph, a drop in speed has allowed batters to take advantage.
In Britton’s place, the Yankees reinstated right-handed relief pitcher Clay Holmes from the COVID-19 list. They also recalled outfielder Jonathan Davis from Triple-A Scranton.
Utility player Miguel Andujar returned from a rehab assignment and was transferred to the 60-day injured list. With Giancarlo Stanton finally taking reps in the outfield and Tyler Wade playing supplementally at third base, Andújar will have a tough time cracking the roster once again.
Consistent injuries have derailed his career and momentum, but he will be looking for another opportunity if injuries arise once again at third/second base or in the outfield.
The Yankees made the following moves prior to Monday’s game against Atlanta:
•Placed LHP Zack Britton on the 10-day IL (retro to 8/20) with a left elbow sprain.
•Recalled OF Jonathan Davis (#36) from Triple-A Scranton/WB.
•Reinstated RHP Clay Holmes (#35) from the COVID-19 IL.
•Returned INF/OF Miguel Andújar from his rehab assignment and transferred him to the 60-day injured list.