Former Cy Young Finalist Unlikely to Return to New York Yankees This Season

The New York Yankees are unlikely to get this Cy Young finalist back this season.

Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Don't count on him returning to the New York Yankees this year.

After losing Nestor Cortes Jr. to the injured list on Friday, it was also reported that Frankie Montas is unlikely to pitch for the Yankees this season.

According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com: 

"Not much new with Frankie Montas, who remains in a throwing program at the Yanks’ complex in Tampa. Does not sound like he will make it back to the majors this year."

Back in February, Montas underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right shoulder. He began a throwing program in June, but was shut down briefly in July, and time is running out for him to make it back this season. Montas would have to begin a rehab assignment soon, but he does not appear to be close to being cleared for one.

The Yankees acquired Montas from the Oakland Athletics at the 2022 trade deadline. The righty proceeded to go 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA as a Yankee.

If the 30-year-old doesn't pitch for the Yankees this season, he will become a free agent after the season ends, having pitched just 39.2 innings for the pinstripes.

For his career, Montas is 36-35 with a 3.90 ERA. He finished sixth in the American League Cy Young voting for the A's in 2021.

The Yankees enter play on Saturday with a 60-56 record and four games back of the final Wild Card spot in the AL.