Yankees: Is Jordan Montgomery the Next Andy Pettitte?

In his second big league start for the Yankees, 24-year-old Jordan Montgomery further solidified his spot in the rotation with six innings of three-run ball, striking out four.

The moment I saw the tall lefty, wearing No. 47 in pinstripes, I couldn’t help but think of Andy Pettitte. CC Sabathia, notwithstanding, Pettitte is the last dominant homegrown left-hander the Yankees have unleashed from the starting rotation. Perhaps that’s about to change.

Montgomery and Pettitte aren’t exactly alike. Pettitte made full use of his cutter, was a playoff-tested winner, and scared the bejesus out of opposing batters with that icy glare. He was also a diamond in the rough, having been selected in the 22nd round of the 1990 draft.

Montgomery, who uses all of his 6-foot-6 frame to throw a bit of an awkward over the top, “heavy ball,” is much more of a slider and changeup pitcher. He mixes in a deceptively quick 92 mph fastball, which induces many Pettitte-like double plays.

A fourth-round pick in 2014, Monty got himself into a number of jams in the first, fourth and sixth innings, but showed a bit of chutzpah, working out of each of them with his ability to throw 68 percent strikes — letting his defense do their jobs, on the way to picking up his first career win.

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It’s clear to see that the kid is a smart shooter. He’s not out there trying to overpower anyone. He’s cognizant enough to know the importance of keeping his pitch count down and making effective use of his four-pitch arsenal. It’s something even the most veteran of hurlers often forget in pressure-packed situations.

Montgomery said all the right things to NJ Advance Media following his performance.

“We’re a bunch of guys that mesh well right now. We’re all playing to win. We’re all trying to do our job and letting the next guy do his job, and in the long run it’s all coming together as a team ‘W.'”

Although Montgomery struck out seven batters in 4.2 IP during his first start against the Rays, manager Joe Girardi needed more length this time around — to take a bit of pressure off the bullpen. 11 first pitch strikes to White Sox hitters on his way to six innings of no run ball is exactly what the doctor ordered.

Austin Romine echoed those sentiments to the New York Post.

“It was nice to see him turn it up,” Austin Romine said. “He does not shy away [from tough moments].”

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On the back of an eight-game winning streak, Montgomery showed enough polish and poise to show he belongs on the biggest of stages. He’s not Andy Pettitte yet, but give him time. The Yankees would be so lucky.