Yankees southpaw Jordan Montgomery has spent his time rehabbing from his June 2018 Tommy John surgery.

Now, it's looking like a return is in the near future.

He recently threw a simulated game (2 IP, 35 pitches) and is "getting close to game action," according to manager Aaron Boone.

That's not to be confused with major-league game action, as Montgomery will need to first rehab in the minor leagues.

Still, there's no telling as to whether he'll be a viable option come September. Boone didn't offer any hints as to whether he'll be back this season either, saying, "We'll see."

Regardless of speculation, Montgomery's eventual return isn't being relied upon. The 26-year-old's arrival will surely be a welcomed one, despite the fact that New York's rotation is already set.

Depending on what righthander Luis Severino brings to the table in his return, the Yankees could enter October with a top three of righthander Masahiro Tanaka, Severino and lefthander James Paxton. That could change if Severino ultimately winds up as a bullpen piece for the remainder of the year, but it's clear that Montgomery won't be thrown into a potential rotation slot.

Next season, he'll get his chance to earn a rotation spot. The retirement of veteran CC Sabathia opens the door for Montgomery, also a lefty, to take his spot. Southpaw J.A. Happ isn't a free agent until 2021, but his current 5.48 ERA could force the organization to look in a different direction.

In any case, the Yankees will welcome back its young lefty, the owner of a 3.84 ERA through 35 career starts. The question is when they'll get him back in the first place.

Popular in the Community