The Los Angeles Dodgers announced Frankie Montas underwent rib resection surgery Friday morning to remove his right first rib. A stress reaction in his rib required the procedure. Montas is expected to make a full recovery in two to four months.
The surgery was performed by Dr. Greg Pearl, who also removed one of Josh Beckett’s ribs in 2013 to relieve pressure caused by Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.
Montas was acquired by the Dodgers in a three-team trade last December with the Chicago White Sox and Cincinnati Reds. Los Angeles also received prospects Micah Johnson and Trayce Thomspon in the trade.
Last season Montas went 5-5 with a 2.97 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 23 starts with Double-A Birmingham.
He made his Major League debut and pitched seven games for the White Sox (two starts) throughout September, going 0-2 with a 4.80 ERA in 15 innings.
Montas, who has 92 career Minor League outings under his belt, first signed with the Boston Red Sox in 2009. Of his 92 career Minor League outings, 80 have come as a starter. In 382.2 career innings, Montas has a 3.86 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 390 strikeouts.
This marks the second consecutive year a pitcher has required surgery with Spring Training around the corner. In 2015, closer Kenley Jansen underwent left foot surgery to remove a growth that kept him out of the first month of the season.
Pitchers and catchers are expected to report to Camelback Ranch by Friday, Feb. 19. The Dodgers’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 25.
