Frankie Montas' injury not causing Yankees to sweat, Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt expected to step up
Many analysts projected the New York Yankees to have the top starting rotation in the MLB in 2023. With Frankie Montas now facing a season-ending injury, that could all change. Manager Aaron Boone announced on Wednesday that Montas will undergo surgery due to discomfort in his right shoulder.
There is a small chance he may return for the end of the season, but for now, the Yankees plan to start the year without him. With opening day just over a month away, the club will likely look internally for a replacement.
According to MLB insider Andy Martino, New York is not too concerned about Montas' spell on the sidelines. The roster has experience and depth when it comes to the pitching staff. Martino named two players in particular that can help fill the void:
"The Yanks’ plan is to lean on internal options like Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt"
Per a recent article in SNY, Martino believes that veteran Dominican and the young righty can carry their share of the load.
Domingo German has plenty of big league experience under his belt. Since making his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2017, he has started 70 games. German also pitched one inning in the postseason last year. Overall, he has a 26-21 record and a 4.37 ERA over his career.
Aaron Boone on Frankie Montas’ nagging shoulder issues, which now have ended up in surgery. Boone called losing Montas “a blow.” https://t.co/Pe4TTvAqg4
"Aaron Boone on Frankie Montas’ nagging shoulder issues, which now have ended up in surgery. Boone called losing Montas “a blow." - Marly Rivera
The organization has high hopes for Clarke Schmidt. Although he lacks major league experience, Schmidt has developed into an efficient pitcher since being drafted by the organization in 2017. He has started five games over the previous three seasons and has a solid 3.71 ERA over 70.1 innings.
The New York Yankees will rely on Domingo German and Clarke Schmidt to step up due to Frankie Montas' injury
The trade to bring Montas over from the Oakland Athletics has not turned out as planned. The Yankees gave up a lot of pieces, including potential starting left-handed pitcher JP Sears. Highly rated prospect Ken Waldichuk was also shipped out to California along with Luis Medina and Cooper Bowman.
DOMINGO GERMAN STRIKEOUT! https://t.co/W1mVgRoMLM
"DOMINGO GERMAN STRIKEOUT!" - Talkin' Yanks
A recent hamstring injury to Nestor Cortes only complicates matters further for the Yankees. Cortes was named to his first All-Star game in 2022 and contributed with 158.1 innings.
Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon and Luis Severino will round out what is an extremely strong rotation.
Montas' injury has damped spirits a little in spring training but the club seems well equipped to handle the loss. For now, it appears as if the Yankees will not jump back into the market. With German and Clarke on the roster, there is no need to panic.