ST. LOUIS — When Jordan Montgomery saw that Aaron Judge hurt his toe in a game earlier this month, an injury that’s kept the captain out for four weeks and counting — the former Yankees starter immediately sent his ex-teammate a message.
“I just made sure he was OK,” Montgomery said at his locker in the Cardinals’ clubhouse on Friday afternoon. “I hate to see that he’s hurting.”
Montgomery may have been blindsided by the team that drafted and developed him, suddenly shipped off in a trade to St. Louis at last summer’s deadline, but he still keeps in touch with countless Yankees players and personnel to this day.
That’s why a handful of different Yankees, Judge and Yankees manager Aaron Boone included, spent time chatting with Montgomery behind home plate at Busch Stadium on Friday afternoon, catching up with the left-hander that spent nearly a decade within the Yankees organization.
“You go through the battles with guys and for me, he was there from the beginning of my time [as manager] so he does become like family and you get really close,” Boone said. “Those are things that are hard goodbyes sometimes, but you also understand that it’s part of the business.”
BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
Looking back almost one year later, the Montgomery trade appears to be one of those rare deals that benefits both sides. The Yankees acquired a defensive wizard in Harrison Bader, a center fielder that’s flashed some serious power for his hometown team. When he’s not on the injured list, he’s been a perfect fit in pinstripes.
Meanwhile, St. Louis has an ace-caliber starter in Montgomery, one of the most consistent lefties in the league. The southpaw has pitched to the tune of a 3.35 ERA in 27 starts since being traded from the Bronx to St. Louis. He was dominant in June, posting a 1.71 ERA in five starts, winning three decisions.
There have been times where the Yankees were desperately coveting a pitcher as reliable as Montgomery. It makes you wonder if those within the organization ever regret making that deal, sacrificing homegrown talent that was beloved behind the scenes to get better up the middle.
Montgomery certainly hasn’t looked back wishing he was still around to take the ball every five days in pinstripes.
“It was their decision to get rid of me,” he said. “I’m thankful to be here. … I believe everything happens for a reason.”
The southpaw is scheduled to start against his old team on Sunday, facing off with Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in the finale of a three-game set. Friday’s series opener was rained out, so these two clubs will play a day-night doubleheader on Saturday, weather permitting.
Montgomery pitched against the Yankees last August, but that was his first outing with the Cardinals, a start he made less than a week after he was traded. This time around, it’s less fresh. He’s had a lot of time to reflect. It’ll still be weird pitching against some of his friends and all the familiar faces, but Montgomery is up for the challenge.
“I’m not scared. I’m the one holding the ball,” Montgomery said with a grin. “Once you’re in it, it’s just executing pitches. It’s a game. We’ll just go out there and play.”
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Max Goodman may be reached at [email protected].