The Yankees’ Opening Day roster is coming into view, as the club executed a flurry of roster moves in advance of Wednesday’s late-afternoon workout at Nationals Park, including optioning left-hander Jordan Montgomery to the club’s alternate training site.
The move to option Montgomery stemmed from the club’s decision not to use a fifth starter during the first turn through the rotation. It is expected that Montgomery will be recalled prior to the Yanks’ sixth game of the season, the July 29 home opener against the Phillies at Yankee Stadium.
Earlier on Tuesday, manager Aaron Boone outlined the early pitching plans. Right-hander Gerrit Cole and left-hander James Paxton will start the first two games against the Nationals, to be followed by a to-be-determined starter on Sunday — Boone mentioned right-handers Chad Green, Jonathan Loaisiga and Michael King as candidates.
Left-hander J.A. Happ will start the July 27 series opener against the Phillies, which would allow Cole to go on regular rest at Philadelphia on July 28.
The Yankees announced that they signed left-hander Luis Avilán, right-hander David Hale and catcher Chris Iannetta to Major League contracts, selecting them to the 40-man roster.
Players reassigned to the club’s alternate training site in Moosic, Pa., included: infielder Matt Duffy, outfielder Estevan Florial, right-hander Deivi García, outfielder Zack Granite, catcher Erik Kratz, right-hander Brooks Kriske, left-hander Tyler Lyons, right-hander Nick Nelson, right-hander Clarke Schmidt, right-hander Nick Tropeano, right-hander Miguel Yajure and right-hander Tony Zych.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].