Boone: Yankees could use Montas as opener or reliever in playoffs

The New York Yankees could have a different role for right-hander Frankie Montas in the postseason.

Manager Aaron Boone thinks the 29-year-old could be used as an opener or reliever.

"I do think there's a chance that he can have a role and have an impact for us," Boone said, according to ESPN's Joon Lee. "It's just a matter of how the next couple of weeks go."

Boone added: "It could be starting, giving us 30-to-40 pitches."

Montas was placed on the 15-day injured list with right shoulder inflammation on Sept 17. An MRI came back clean, but he received a cortisone shot and was shut down from pitching for 10 days.

He's eligible to come off the IL on Oct. 2, but that may not be enough time to ramp him up to make a traditional start in the playoffs.

The Yankees acquired Montas from the Oakland Athletics at the trade deadline. He owns a 6.35 ERA and 1.54 WHIP in eight starts for New York.