Big Yankees trade deadline acquisition hits IL as New York clings to division lead

The New York Yankees have been fighting hard in the final stretch to keep the division lead, and they just lost another player to the injured list that may set them back.

The New York Yankees have been fighting hard in the final stretch to keep the division lead. They’ve faced several hardships, such as a stint on the injured list from Giancarlo Stanton that lasted just over a month.

Another major player, trade deadline acquisition Frankie Montas, just hit the injured list with right shoulder inflammation, which may impact the team.

Jon Morosi of MLB Network initially gave out the news of Montas moving to the IL.

Jon Heyman of the New York Post provided an update, stating that an MRI didn’t show major damage, so a return is hopeful. He wrote, “MRI on Montas shoulder said not to reveal major damage; he may need some rest but hope for return remains.”

Montas recently joined the Yankees at the trade deadline, but he unfortunately hasn’t been performing extremely well. Regardless, having a pitcher out of the rotation could make matters more difficult.

Yankees pitcher Frankie Montas’ absence may not be too harmful to the team

Montas has been underperforming in New York. Since joining the Yankees, he’s produced an ERA of 6.35, batting average against of .288 and WHIP of 1.54. His absence alone likely wouldn’t be too harmful to the team, but there’s concern with being down another starter when Luis Severino, one of the best starters, is out as well.

Their top three starters, Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon and Nestor Cortes, remain healthy, so they should be fine at the top of the rotation. The back end, however, has more questions with Montas out, even with his struggles in pinstripes.

However, considering their track record in the final stretch, their pure struggle to produce wins as of late and the Toronto Blue Jays inching closer and closer to the top of the AL East standings, Montas’ absence could be a point of concern in terms of change on the team.