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Oakland A’s: COVID-19 latest setback for Frankie Montas

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Frankie Montas #47 of the Oakland Athletics leaves the game during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in Game Four of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Frankie Montas #47 of the Oakland Athletics leaves the game during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros in Game Four of the American League Division Series at Dodger Stadium on October 08, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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Frankie Montas has continued to tantalize with his potential. The Oakland A’s righty had appeared to turn the corner several times over the past few seasons, only to end up struggling once again. His potential leads to the hope that maybe, just maybe, he will put everything together, but he has to avoid those seemingly constant setbacks.

The 2021 season has yet to begin, but Montas is already dealing with a setback. He tested positive for COVID-19, delaying his arrival to spring training.

Just the latest setback for Frankie Montas

Even though Montas is entering his sixth major league season, it would be fair to say that the A’s still do not know what they have in the righty. He has yet to reach the 100 inning mark in any major league season, dealing with seemingly constant health issues.

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He appeared to be in the midst of a breakout campaign in 2019. Montas was not only on pace to be a part of the All Star Game, but he was discussed as a possible Cy Young candidate. However, that breakout campaign was marred by his 80 game PED suspension, making him ineligible for the postseason and putting his progress into question.

Tabbed as the 2020 Opening Day starter, Montas had another strong start to the year. Through his first four outings, he posted a 1.57 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP, striking out 22 batters with nine walks over 23 innings. Then he had what was called a minor back issue that forced him to miss a start. From that point on, Montas was a disaster, posting an 8.70 ERA and a 1.900 WHiP in his 30 innings.

And now, Montas is dealing with another setback. This time, the season has yet to begin, and he will already be behind the rest of the staff. While the A’s are hopeful that he will be back and healthy soon, there is a question of whether or not Montas will ever have that true breakout campaign.

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Frankie Montas has suffered another setback as he has tested positive for COVID-19. At this point, one has to wonder if the Oakland A’s will ever get a full season from him.