MLB Weekly Digest February 20th Edition: Montas Needs Surgery

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The prior week in MLB was about a starting pitcher in the American League that might miss the entire season due to needing surgery, a team in the National League signs a pitcher to a unique one-year contract, and a former broadcaster passes away.

New York Yankees Starting Pitcher Frankie Montas Will Undergo Shoulder Surgery, Might Miss Season

Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Yankees might be without starting pitcher Frankie Montas for much of the season as he needs to undergo shoulder surgery.

Right-hander Frankie Montas, the biggest acquisition for the New York Yankees at the trade deadline last year who was expected to be a big part of their rotation this year, will undergo shoulder surgery on Tuesday that could cause him to miss the season, manager Aaron Boone said.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 15, 2023

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Montas would have the surgery tomorrow.

According to the YES Network, Boone added that the best case was that Montas would return later in the season.

Aaron Boone announces that Frankie Montas will undergo shoulder surgery on Feb 21.

"Best case is he would be back late in the season." pic.twitter.com/w3NsToHRVB

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) February 15, 2023

The Yankees had shut Montas down a couple of times as he dealt with shoulder issues while trying to build up for this season, prompting a doctor’s visit.

Boone mentioned the type of surgery that Montas requires is unclear, which is why his return date has not been determined.

The club acquired Montas from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline last August, and they knew he had shoulder problems earlier previous season.

Montas struggled mightily with the Yankees as he posted a 6.35 ERA in 39 2 /3 innings pitched (eight starts) with 33 strikeouts, 15 walks issued, six home runs allowed, a 62 ERA+, 4.93 FIP, and a 1.53 WHIP.

The loss of Montas is a concern, as it does hurt their starting pitching depth going into the season.

They will begin the season with a starting rotation of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes, and possibly, Domingo German or Clarke Schmidt.

San Diego Padres Sign Pitcher Michael Wacha to One-Year Contract

The San Diego Padres have signed starting pitcher Michael Wacha to a one-year contract, per a team announcement.

The #Padres have signed Michael Wacha to a one-year contract.

Details: https://t.co/ofOcaFcrXU pic.twitter.com/kjtY2INaMk

— San Diego Padres (@Padres) February 16, 2023

However, it is not your standard one-year contract for a pitcher as it includes several options, per Jeff Passan of ESPN.

The Padres get the benefit of another lower-AAV deal. Wacha gets protection: If he's really good, he'll make $16M a year for two years. If he's not, he's guaranteed $18.5M more. And if it's in between, both sides can turn down the options and Wacha will hit free agency after '23.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 16, 2023

Wacha will earn $26 million guaranteed over four years.

In 2023, he will make $7.5 million; after the season, the Padres can pick up a two-year, $32-million option. If the Padres decline the option, Wacha has a three-year, $18.5-million player option.

The deal also contains bonuses for the 2023 season, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Also: For 2023 and any player options (but not club options)
$500K each for 20, 25 GS
$1M for 30 GS

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) February 16, 2023

Wacha is coming off an outstanding 2022 season with the Boston Red Sox.

He posted an 11-2 win-loss record with a 3.32 ERA in 127 1/3 innings pitched (23 starts) with 104 strikeouts, 31 walks issued, 18 home runs yielded, a 127 ERA+, 4.14 FIP, and a 1.11 WHIP.

The addition of Wacha was an intelligent decision by the Padres as it strengthened their starting rotation for the upcoming season.

Hall of Fame Broadcaster Tim McCarver Passes Away at 81

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Cardinals Hall of Fame catcher Tim McCarver.

A two-time World Series champion, McCarver caught 12 seasons in St. Louis over his 21-year career.

Our condolences go out to the McCarver family and his many baseball friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/5Yrh39PRt5

— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) February 16, 2023

Tim McCarver, an All-Star catcher and Hall of Fame broadcaster, passed away several days ago at age 81.

The Hall of Fame remembers 2012 Frick Award winner Tim McCarver, who passed away on Thursday.https://t.co/Np1cTyEJbV pic.twitter.com/ydNjOJqrBY

— National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum ⚾ (@baseballhall) February 16, 2023

He was in baseball for 60 years and won two World Series titles with the St. Louis Cardinals.

McCarver was a commentator known for telling stories while in the booth.

The former catcher worked with two Hall of Fame pitchers, Bob Gibson and Steve Carlton.

McCarver switched to broadcasting after retiring in 1980 and was known nationally on Fox with play-by-play man Joe Buck.

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Chris Lacey

Chris is a 29-year old New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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