Yankees' Montas to have shoulder surgery, could miss season

New York Yankees right-hander Frankie Montas will undergo shoulder surgery on Feb. 21 that could force him to miss the entire 2023 campaign, manager Aaron Boone said Wednesday.

"Best case, he would be back late in the season," Boone added, according to YES Network.

The Yankees shut Montas down a few times because he experienced niggling concerns with his shoulder while attempting to build up for the season, prompting a visit with doctors.

Boone said the type of surgery Montas needs remains unclear, which is why a potential return date has yet to be determined.

New York acquired Montas from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline in August and was aware of concerns with his shoulder.

The 29-year-old made eight starts for the Bronx Bombers following the trade, authoring a 6.35 ERA in 39 2/3 innings.

Boone said he remains confident in the Yankees' rotation without Montas. New York is expected to start Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes, and, potentially, one of Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt. Cortes is sidelined with a hamstring strain but should be ready for Opening Day.

"We feel very good about the rotation that we will potentially go north with at the end of next month," Boone said.