Dodgers Frankie Montas Out 2-4 Months

The first injury of the season came a week before pitchers and catchers are set to report, as Dodgers’ prospect Frankie Montas will miss the first few months of the season.

It took no time at all for the Dodgers to get bit by the injury bug this year, as the team announced RHP Frankie Montas underwent surgery this morning to remove his first rib.

According to the Dodgers, Montas will miss 2-4 months.

Montas was the big get in the three-way trade between the Dodgers, Reds and White Sox earlier this offseason. He was acquired along with Trayce Thompson and Micah Johnson from the White Sox, the Dodgers sent Scott Schebler, Brandon Dixon and Jose Peraza to the Reds, and the Reds sent Todd Frazier to the southside.

Montas, who will turn 23 in March, made his major league debut last September with the White Sox and was less than impressive. In 15 innings, Montas struck out 20 batter, but walked nine and allowed 14 hits and eight runs. In 112 minor league innings before his call up, Montas posted a 2.97 ERA with 108 strikeouts.

Montas was one of the better prospects in the White Sox organization and entered the Dodgers as their fourth best prospect on MLB Pipeline, after Corey Seager, Julio Urias and Jose De Leon.

According to MLB.com, Montas hits 100 on the gun with regularity and has topped out at 102.  The fastball is his best pitch, and he’s supposed to have a really solid slider. After those two pitches, there are concerns about other offerings. Many believe Montas’ stuff would play up in the bullpen, allowing him to reach higher velocity more often and not necessarily having to save his arm to go deeper into a game.

The procedure to remove a rib was performed by Dr. Greg Pearl. Pearl also removed one of Josh Beckett‘s ribs in 2013, and Beckett proceeded to throw a no-hitter that year.

This injury will obviously set Montas back a bit, as Spring Training is right around the corner. He was a longshot to crack the Opening Day roster in the first place, but Montas could eventually be a vital part of the team, especially if they transition him to the bullpen.