Sep 22, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt (86) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium. Frankie Montas Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Frankie Montas’ injury isn’t good news for the Yankees but here are three reasons he could be a blessing in disguise for New York.
The Yankees hoped acquiring Frankie Montas would give them a high-end No. 2 starter to pitch behind Gerrit Cole in the postseason last year. That didn’t work out, but officials in New York still have high hopes that Montas can give them a bounce-back campaign in 2023.
Unfortunately for the organization, Montas is ticketed to miss the first month of the season as he continues to recover from the shoulder issue that troubled him after arriving in the Bronx. On the surface, that might seem like really bad news for the Yankees. In reality, there are plenty of reasons why it can become a boost for New York’s postseason hopes.
Yankees fans shouldn’t panic about Frankie Montas injury
3. It can boost Clarke Schmidt’s stock
It’s easy to still think of Schmidt as a hot prospect, but the reality is that 2023 will be his age-27 season. It’s time for him to either make a big impact at the major league level or serve as valuable trade bait for the Yankees.
The only way he’s going to do either of those things is to log innings in the big leagues. Montas’ short-term injury opens up the No. 5 spot in Aaron Boone’s rotation. A strong Spring Training could give Schmidt the opportunity to be the team’s fifth starter on Opening Day. A strong start to the regular season could allow Schmidt to solidify his spot in the team’s long-term plans or become a high-quality trade chip. There’s a chance that a few good starts from Schmidt could indirectly solve the team’s weakness in left field.