Randy Arozarena has been on an absolute tear for the Rays this series. Deivi Garcia will likely be the first pitcher called upon following his 27 pitch start on Tuesday. And facing elimination, the Yankees will unload every reliever they have to keep the game in check. That doesn’t bode well for the command that he relies on to get soft contact outs.Īs such, it can only be expected that manager Aaron Boone will have a quick hook for his starter. It’s even more troubling that this will be Montgomery’s first action in two weeks. That’s a far cry from the sub-4 he posted in his rookie campaign.
In 44.0 innings this season, Montgomery posted a 5.11 ERA. He struggled mightily in 2020, his first (shortened) full season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2018. Saying Montgomery needs to step up feels like an understatement. Everything is on the line for the Yankees in this one, so they’ll throw every trick they have at the Rays.
