Yankees option rookie southpaw Jordan Montgomery to Triple-A
The Yankees' utilization of a six-man starting rotation officially came to an end on Sunday afternoon, as the team announced that rookie left-hander Jordan Montgomery has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Earlier this week, the 24-year-old southpaw was presumed to be the odd man out, due to the Yankees' trade deadline moves for Athletics' starter Sonny Gray and Twins' Jaime Garcia. While the team hasn't confirmed that Montgomery was pitching under an innings limit, several pundits believe it to be a factor into the Yankees' decision.
Montgomery who emerged as a major league rotation option during spring training, finished with a 7-6 record, 4.05 ERA, and 1.24 WHIP in 21 starts. In 115.2 total innings, he struck out 111 batters, while allowing 108 hits, 52 earned runs, and 35 walks. On Friday night against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field, Montgomery received no decision after pitching five strong innings (7 SO, 3 H, ER).
The Yankees have yet to announce what Montgomery's role will be in the minors.
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