LOS ANGELES -- Dodgers right-handed pitcher Frankie Montas will begin a minor league rehab assignment with Double-A Tulsa on Saturday, the team announced on Friday.
Montas had rib resection surgery on Feb. 12, with an estimated recovery time of 2-4 months. His return time will end up on the high end of that diagnosis, as the right-hander is ineligible to be activated from the 60-day disabled list until June 2.
Montas pitched two innings in an extended spring training game at Camelback Ranch in Arizona on Thursday.
The 23-year-old right-hander, who has averaged 96.92 mph on his fastball per Brooks Baseball, could potentially help the Dodgers bullpen, and quickly. Though it remains to be seen if the Dodgers plan to continue to try to stretch Montas out as a starter, as was the plan in spring training.
The Dodgers acquired Montas from the White Sox on Dec. 17, 2015 in the three-team Todd Frazier trade with the Reds.
"Our scouts feel his fastball/slider combo is one of the best in the minor leagues," Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman said after the trade. "There's no question in my mind he could step into a major league bullpen right now. But we're more of the mind to develop him as a starting pitcher."