Jordan Montgomery has never particularly been one for the spotlight. The South Carolina native was a 4th-round pick of the Yankees in 2014 and quickly, but quietly, moved through their minor league system. As a rookie in 2017, “Monty” went 9-7 with a 3.88 ERA. However, his year was significantly overshadowed by another Yankee rookie that you may have heard of, some guy by the name of Aaron Judge.
Montgomery looked primed to break out in 2018 but after just six starts he was placed on the DL with a flexor strain. He then tore his UCL while rehabbing, and had to receive Tommy John surgery. This caused him to miss the remainder of the season and all of 2019.
After missing nearly 2 full seasons, Montgomery became somewhat of an afterthought when it came to the Yankees rotation. This season he could potentially play a major role for the Bombers.
He returned this year and was slated as the Yanks’ fifth starter following a very strong performance at spring training. With Masahiro Tanaka still in concussion protocol, Montgomery will likely start the season as the Yankees’ #4 starter.
On Sunday night, he tossed 5 scoreless innings, striking out six. He issued one walk and allowed just two hits. His fastball averaged 93 mph, compared to an average velocity of 91.9 from 2017-18. He touched 95 with one pitch and struck out several hitters with his curveball. He fanned Pete Alonso and Robinson Cano with the pitch in the 1st inning and struck Alonso out again with a changeup in the 4th.
Last night, Monty talked to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com about what was different about his delivery now, compared to before he received Tommy John. His answer? “Everything, really… I feel really good with where I’m at and I’m only going to keep getting stronger the more pitches I throw.”
Even with the absence of Luis Severino (Tommy John surgery), the Yankees have a formidable top three in their starting rotation with Gerrit Cole, James Paxton, and Tanaka. However, depth is always needed, especially in a 60-game season. Especially important is the fact that both Paxton and Tanaka are set to hit free agency following this season.
Montgomery will be a key depth piece in the Yankees’ chase for their 28th title this season. With that being said, don’t be surprised if he plays a much bigger role for the team in future years.