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New York Yankees: Jordan Montgomery Pitching for a Roster Spot

By Nick Ziegler

Feb 17, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (90) tosses to first base in bunt drills during MLB spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 17, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery (90) tosses to first base in bunt drills during MLB spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Spring training is almost over for the New York Yankees, and they still have two spots in the rotation to fill. Could a surprise candidate emerge as a starter?

Coming into spring training, the New York Yankees had three of their five starting rotation spots locked down. Masahiro Tanaka is the obvious ace of the Yankees, and he is followed in the rotation by CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda.

After those three, the final two spots in the rotation were open. One of the pitchers that the Yankees hoped would claim a spot was Luis Severino. After a great start to his career in 2015, Severino had an awful 2016 season, and he hasn’t impressed at all this spring.

In addition to Severino, the other likely candidate for a starting spot in the rotation was Bryan Mitchell. Mitchell has pitched better than Severino, but his results haven’t impressed either.

With the two favorites struggling, Yankees manager Joe Girardi hasn’t ruled out the possibility of Jordan Montgomery not only making the team but being in the rotation. Also, Girardi didn’t rule out having him in the bullpen to start the season.

"“It’s possible,’’ Joe Girardi said to George A King III of the New York Post “Either role.’’"

Last season, Montgomery pitched in both Double and Triple-A. Furthermore, he pitched very well, as he totaled a 14-5 record, 2.13 ERA, and 134 strikeouts in 139 innings.

"“I am a work in progress,’’ said Montgomery to King. “I have been more on the map each year. I try to keep on working hard and play baseball the right way and carrying myself the right way.’’"

Montgomery hasn’t made a lot of starts in Triple-A yet, but he has made an impression on Girardi. As a big left-handed pitcher, Montgomery has all the tools you look for in a pitcher.

"“I like him a lot. He has a really good downward angle and deception. I am very curious,’’ Girardi said to King. “He is 6-foot-6 and gets on top of the ball. You talk about deception, there can be a lot of different ways. Some guys hide the ball, some guys’ motion is really easy and a short arm and gets on top of hitters quickly. He is a guy who is tall and changes planes and I think that is part of his deception.’’"

On Thursday, Montgomery will be getting the start for the Yankees. With another solid outing, he could very well force his way onto the Yankees roster.

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Whether that means he is a starter or a reliever, he could be a help for the Yankees this season. Pitching could be an issue for the Yankees this season, and Montgomery is a player to keep an eye on.

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