GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Injured Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Frankie Montas confirmed Sunday that his rib discomfort began in January, squashing any notion that he may have been shipped over in a December trade as damaged goods.
The Dodgers acquired the hard-throwing right hander from the Chicago White Sox, also getting outfielder Trayce Thompson and infielder Micah Johnson in the process.
After a January throwing session in his native Dominican Republic, Montas said he woke up the next morning with back pain.
"I went to the doctor in the Dominican and they gave me some stuff, some muscle relaxers, stuff like that, and it didn't work," Montas said. "So I called my agent and said to the team that I wanted to get an MRI. With the MRI they found out it was the first rib."
Montas was diagnosed with a stress reaction and the offending rib was removed during surgery earlier this month. He is expected to miss two to four months and does not have a timetable for when he might throw again.
Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman expressed confidence that Montas was healthy when acquired.
When finally back up to speed, Montas will be in a similar situation as right-hander Yaisel Sierra, whose six-year deal with the Dodgers was finalized on Sunday. Both are expected to be used in starting roles, with the possibility both could be asked to shift to the bullpen.
Montas has said he just wants to help in whatever role the team needs. He is also taking a positive outlook when it comes to his injury.
"I always say things happen for a reason," Montas said. "I was really excited being here with a new team to show what I can do and do whatever I can to help the team in the big leagues. This happened so just try to get ready, come back and do what I can to help the team."
