New York Yankees Cy Young Finalist Begins Rehab Assignment in Surprise Move

This New York Yankees Cy Young finalist has begun a rehab assignment in a surprising move.

A good sign for the starting pitcher who is making his way back from shoulder surgery.

On Sunday, New York Yankees hurler Frankie Montas began a rehab assignment for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Montas tossed one inning on 17 pitches, allowing one run, and striking out two while walking one. 

Montas underwent shoulder surgery in February and was declared out for the season, so it is surprising that he took the mound today for Scranton.

Realistically, the purpose of Montas' outing was likely to build towards next season. Montas will be a free agent in the offseason, so he surely wants to showcase himself for other teams before hitting the open market.

Montas, 30, was acquired by the Yankees from the Oakland Athletics at the 2022 trade deadline. He went 1-3 with a 6.35 ERA in 39.2 innings for New York last season.

For his career, he is 36-35 with a 3.90 ERA and finished sixth in the American League Cy Young voting in 2021.

The Yankees are 76-74 and in fourth place in the AL East.