Frazier has setback, placed on 60-day IL
NEW YORK -- There is uncertainty concerning Clint Frazier's long-term prognosis after the outfielder asked out of a Minor League rehab game on Sunday, reporting symptoms similar to the dizziness that has kept him out of big league action since June 30.
The Yankees ended Frazier’s rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset on Monday, transferring him to the 60-day injured list. Frazier was initially diagnosed with vertigo and has traveled the country seeing numerous specialists since then, with a working theory that his issues are related to eyesight or his neck.
“It was a good decision for him, knowing he wasn’t full bore ready to go,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “I’m glad that he was able to have the courage to pull the plug on it.”
Boone was asked if Frazier believes that he will be able to play again.
“We’ll see,” Boone said. “Obviously, he’s been through a lot, seeing a lot of people and a lot of testing and everything. We’ll just try and continue to follow and support him where we can, but as of right now, he’s in a little bit of a holding pattern. I know he feels well today, so we’ll just see.”
Frazier, who turns 27 in September, entered 2021 in line to serve as the Yankees’ starting left fielder. He batted .186/.317/.317 with five homers and 15 RBIs in 66 games.
Over five big league seasons, all with the Yankees from 2017-21, Frazier has compiled a .239/.327/.434 slash line with 29 homers and 97 RBIs in 228 games.
Whatever it takes
Jordan Montgomery had to get creative and make the best of his circumstances as the Yankees left-hander prepares to come off the COVID-19 injured list on Tuesday, when he’ll start one of the games in a day-night doubleheader against the Red Sox.
“I found a wall and threw into it,” Montgomery said on Monday. “And then once Gerrit [Cole] started feeling better, I drove out and threw with him the last three days of it, I guess. I was just trying to do something so I didn’t lose my mind in my room.”
Despite the unconventional buildup, Montgomery said that he feels strong, having last pitched on Aug. 1 at Miami. The 28-year-old Montgomery experienced only mild symptoms, likening it to a cold.
“I actually feel incredible,” Montgomery said. “I got some good drill work in, throwing against the wall. I just tried to do the best with what time I had and get myself as ready as I could coming back.”
Montgomery owns a 3.69 ERA across 21 starts this season, firing 114 2/3 innings.
“I had 115 innings pretty fast, so I’ve got a little less wear on me now,” Montgomery said. “Ten days of rest, easy recovery throws on my arm and I’m going to be right back into the fire. I’m ready.”
This date in Yankees history
Aug. 16, 1974: Thurman Munson hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 13th inning off Terry Forster of the White Sox, powering the Yankees to a 9-8 victory at Shea Stadium. It was the only walk-off homer of Munson’s career.