The New York Yankees received more bad injury news on Monday. MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch revealed that reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil has a lat injury that will keep him from throwing for “at least six weeks.”
“The Yankees’ rotation depth will be tested early in the regular season, as reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil has been diagnosed with a high-grade right lat strain that will prevent him from throwing for at least six weeks, according to manager Aaron Boone,” wrote Hoch. “Gil underwent an MRI exam on Saturday, one day after he cut short a scheduled bullpen session after about five pitches. Given the severity of Gil’s strain and the length of his shutdown, a best-case scenario would likely have the right-hander returning to a big league mound sometime in June.”
The Yankees have Marcus Stroman ready to slot into the starting rotation. However, tensions between Stroman and the Yankees reportedly remain high after the team shopped him this winter. The team could look to add a starter through trade if it is adamant about keeping Stroman out of the mix. FanSided’s Rucker Haringey suggested the Yankees could trade for Arizona Diamondbacks starter Jordan Montgomery.
Montgomery struggled last season after signing a one-year, $25 million deal with the Diamondbacks, coming off winning the World Series with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He had a 6.23 ERA in 25 games last season. Diamondbacks owner Ken Kendricks revealed his thoughts about signing him on “The Burnes & Gambo Show” earlier this offseason.
“Looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision to invest that money in a guy who performed as poorly as he did,” Kendrick said. “It’s our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint, and I’m the perpetrator of that.”
Montgomery exercised a $22.5 million player option after his poor season. Kendrick’s comments clearly indicate he is open to moving on from Montgomery. The Diamondbacks may even have to take on some of his salary to move him following a subpar season.
Montgomery could be a cheap addition with the potential to bounce back for the Yankees. In 2023, he had a 3.20 ERA in 32 starts, and from 2021 to 2023, he had a 3.48 ERA in 94 starts.
Montgomery started his big league career with the Yankees, but his 2024 season was reminiscent of his early struggles with the team. However, a change of scenery could benefit him after his poor season in Arizona. A trade for Montgomery could also be a way for the Yankees to finally deal Stroman.
