Yankees' Jordan Montgomery seems OK after hard shot off knee
New York Yankees starting pitcher Jordan Montgomery reacts after being hit by a line drive off of Boston Red Sox's Xander Bogaerts during the first inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 10, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) Credit: Frank Franklin II
After a scare on Monday, Jordan Montgomery’s knee appears to be doing well enough for him to potentially not miss his next start, Aaron Boone said.
Montgomery, who took a 102.8-mph comebacker off the back of his knee Sunday night – had significant swelling in the area Monday, but a CT scan and MRI on the leg both came back clean, Boone said. Boone said the results were “encouraging” and that Montgomery would do some throwing today and see how he feels.
“I think there was a little concern with him last night just because of the swelling he had in there,” Boone said on Tuesday. “He had his knee drained and...he was significantly better today. When I walked in, he was on a table, and so much of the swelling was out of there. He was moving around well today.
If Montgomery feels OK after throwing Tuesday, he’ll throw a bullpen Wednesday, Boone said, presumably setting himself up to make his scheduled start against the Orioles on Friday.
“Definitely a good turn overnight,” Boone said.
Hicks in left
Boone sat Joey Gallo against the Blue Jays Tuesday, electing to play Aaron Hicks in left, even though Hicks hasn’t played there since 2017. Hicks came into the game having played 57 games at the position, but worked there in spring training. Aaron Judge moved from right to center, and Giancarlo Stanton played right.
It’s because of “big leftfield and not wanting to move a ton of guys – not wanting to move Judgey over there,” Boone said. “I just slide Judge over in the center and keep G at right. That's why we did it a little bit in spring. Hicksy worked on [it there for] a couple of days, but I just rather have that coverage out there in that big outfield.”
Stanton, who worked mostly as a designated hitter last season, is expected to play the field more frequently this year, - generally about three times a week. Anthony Rizzo was the DH Tuesday.
Laura Albanese is a reporter, feature writer and columnist covering local professional sports teams; she began at Newsday in 2007 as an intern.
