TAMPA — Jordan Montgomery entered Saturday’s game against the Red Sox in Fort Myers as the favorite to be Aaron Boone’s fourth starter in a rotation that will be without James Paxton at least until May and Luis Severino for the season.
In his second outing of the exhibition season, the 27-year-old-year lefty threw two scoreless innings in which he gave up a hit, struck out four and didn’t allow a walk.
Montgomery worked two games and four innings last year after having Tommy John surgery in 2018.
Though Montgomery is the overwhelming favorite for the fourth spot, who will be the Yankees’ fifth starter isn’t as sure. Jonathan Loaisiga appears to be the slight favorite because he has more experience than the others, but don’t rule out Clarke Schmidt, the Yankees’ first-round pick in the 2017 draft who had Tommy John surgery that year.
Schmidt wowed scouts in two outings this spring with a big curveball and fastball. Others in contention are Mike King and Deivi Garcia. Luis Cessa has starting experience in the big leagues, but the Yankees seemingly like him in the bullpen.
According to Boone, Aroldis Chapman will throw a bullpen session Sunday and make his spring training debut on Wednesday night against the Phillies at Steinbrenner Field.