Yankees Fireballer Surprisingly Could Return To Mound Before Season Ends

New York surprisingly could have one of its fireballers back on the mound this season

The New York Yankees have dealt with a plethora of injuries this season but it sounds like one of their pitchers might actually return to the mound. 

Right-handed fireballer Frankie Montas -- who hasn't yet pitched in a big league game this season -- reportedly could make an appearance before the 2023 season comes to a close, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. 

"Frankie Montas is 'in play' to pitch for the Yankees during the series in Kansas City," Hoch said. "They’d be looking for him to give them about three innings."

Montas was acquired from the Oakland Athletics last season by the Yankees and made just eight starts while pitching to a 6.35 ERA. The 30-year-old missed the beginning of the 2023 campaign with right shoulder inflammation and it eventually led to a need for arthroscopic surgery that has kept Montas off the field. 

The fireballer has appeared in two games with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders and has allowed one earned run across three innings of work. Montas will be a free agent at the end of the season but if he can impress could make sense as a candidate to bring back next season. The righty has a career 3.90 ERA across his seven-year big league career. After missing almost the entire 2023 campaign, he likely will not be very expensive this upcoming offseason. New York will be looking to add to its starting rotation and will be looking for some big-name talent. It wouldn't hurt to also bring back Montas on a small deal as a back-of-the-rotation arm for more depth if he is healthy.