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Frankie Montas hoping to be ready for Opening Day

By David Hill

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 08: Frankie Montas #47 of the Oakland Athletics throws to the plate against the Houston Astros during the third inning 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 throws to the plate against the Houston Astros during the third inning 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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Just a week ago, Frankie Montas had learned of another setback in his quest to become the pitcher that the Oakland A’s had hoped for. Montas tested positive for COVID-19, delaying his start to spring training. For a pitcher who has endured numerous issues over the years, this was just the latest setback.

But now, Montas is back. He has already begun his throwing program and continues to build up his workload going forward. He should, in the near future, be able to start throwing bullpens and facing hitters in a live setting.

2021 an important year for Frankie Montas

In theory, Montas is not that far behind the other pitchers in camp. He only really missed a week, and should be able to catch up in fairly short order. Montas should be ready to go once Opening Day rolls around, even if he is unable to last as long in his first outing as one would desire.

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Nonetheless, this still bears watching. Montas has yet to reach the 100 inning mark in any major league season over his career, as he has dealt with a myriad of injuries and a PED suspension. He has displayed a great deal of potential when he has been on the mound, but keeping Montas in the rotation every fifth day has been a challenge.

The upcoming season could make a major difference in Montas and how he is viewed by the organization. There is no questioning what he could be, as his strong performance in 2019 and his first four starts last season can attest to. As he will turn 28 years old just before the start of the season, his prime is still potentially ahead of him.

But he needs to show that he can be depended on. While he is making an affordable $1.8 million this season, Montas will see his salary increase as he goes through arbitration. His future earnings, and whether or not the A’s would view him as a possible extension candidate, could ride on his performance.

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Frankie Montas is ready to get back on track in hopes of being ready for Opening Day. The 2021 season is an important one for the Oakland A’s hurler.