Montgomery’s ‘new arm’ key to Yanks rotation

One in a series.

Jordan Montgomery made it back from June 2018 Tommy John surgery to make a pair of appearances last September and looked good this spring before MLB was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Yankees have plenty riding on Montgomery when — and if — this season ever gets underway, especially in the wake of Luis Severino being lost at least until early 2021 because of his own elbow surgery.

But beyond that, Montgomery is at the forefront of what could look like a much different starting staff in the near future.

With Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton and perhaps J.A. Happ, if his vesting option kicks in, eligible for free agency following this season, the Yankees will have to fill out a staff behind Gerrit Cole.

There will be questions surrounding Severino coming off Tommy John, as well as about Domingo German, who still has to serve the rest of his suspension for violating the league’s domestic violence protocol last year.

Montgomery will also still have to prove himself due to the extensive amount of time he’s missed and the fact he has pitched just 186 2/3 innings in the majors over three seasons.

His performance during this spring had the Yankees encouraged.

“He has been good all spring,’’ Aaron Boone said in March. “From his bullpens, to uptick in velocity, he was really good. The way he was able to finish, too. … The curveball was good and the changeup was really good.’’

The increase in velocity is a good sign for the left-hander, who was in line to be the Yankees’ fourth starter to open the year, with Severino out, along with Paxton, who was expected to miss the beginning of the season following back surgery.

Regardless of what happens the rest of 2020, more will likely be expected of Montgomery in 2021, especially if Tanaka or Paxton — or both — are gone and Severino doesn’t make it back until midseason.

Depending on what the Yankees do to fortify their rotation, inexperienced starters like Jonathan Loaisiga, Michael King or prospects Deivi Garcia or Clarke Schmidt figure to be called on.

Montgomery impressed during his rookie season in 2017 before going down with the elbow injury the following year.

“He’s got some good weapons and he knows how to use them,’’ one AL scout said. “And he doesn’t seem afraid out there. I think watching CC [Sabathia] and some of the other veterans when he came up helped him.’’

The scout also liked how Montgomery rebounded following the surgery.

“He only threw [four] innings when he came back last year, but he had good command this spring,’’ he said.

And Boone believes the brief time Montgomery was able to get back late last season was beneficial, even if it didn’t provide many results.

“I think he has proven himself at this level. For him to get back last year was big, just for his frame of mind,’’ Boone said. “The fact he was able to make it back and get some work done, get into some games, I think was big for him and his mindset moving forward.’’

For Montgomery, the goal is simple.

“I just want to pitch and be healthy,’’ Montgomery said this spring. “Whatever the Yankees need, I’ll bring something to the table. I had a normal offseason, finally. Good to get home and just work out and throw. I feel pretty strong right now. It’s good to have a new arm.’’

Only time will tell when he gets to use it on the mound again.