New York Yankees: Winners and losers from the first week of May

Loser: Jordan Montgomery

Unfortunately, it was not all rainbows and sunshine for the New York Yankees’ starting rotation this week. The Yanks kicked off the month last Tuesday with Jordan Montgomery on the hill against Justin Verlander and the Houston Astros. However, that pitching matchup didn’t last too long. Montgomery pitched a one-two-three first inning on just seven pitches (perhaps his best inning of the year) but left the game after that with left elbow tightness. That tightness turned out to be a flexor strain in his elbow and Monty is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

In Montgomery’s place, we mentioned how dominant Domingo German was. In the vacuum of this week, that’s concerning for Monty. However, in reality, Montgomery’s rotation spot is safe. German obviously won’t be throwing no-hitters every start. Even if German continues to pitch well, he likely won’t keep Montgomery from returning as a starter.

What’s truly concerning for Montgomery and the Yankees is that his flexor strain could be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. There’s been no indication yet of that being the case for Montgomery, but any time a pitcher’s name and Tommy John are in the same sentence without “avoids” in between, it’s cause for concern.

Montgomery also now won’t be able to contribute to baseball’s hottest team. Monty will likely still travel with the team until he starts rehabbing, but as a competitor, it will certainly be disappointing for him to have to sit and watch as the New York Yankees hopefully continue to dominate. With Montgomery’s injury causing long-term concern and short-term FOMO, he’s a loser this week.