ST. LOUIS — Frankie Montas’ Yankees debut was not one for the highlight reel. The right-hander, who the Yankees got at the trade deadline last week, lasted just three innings allowing a season-high six runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out two. Montas left the game with the Yankees trailing 6-4.

Montas, who had not pitched since July 26, gave up one in the first on an RBI single to Nolan Arenado and five in the second inning capped by an Arenado three-run home run.

Montas, who joined the team after Saturday night’s game, met with catcher Jose Trevino for the first time at the team hotel that night. The 29-year-old had suffered a death in the family and was on bereavement leave.

Montas had also been slowly building up with the A’s after suffering shoulder inflammation early in July. He was not expected to go beyond 70 pitches on Saturday, but he was just able to get through three innings with 64. Montas got eight swings and misses, four on his slider as he struggled with fastball control.

“Ideally, he’d have been here the last several days with us, getting to know everyone … getting to know his teammates, getting to know the staff, game planning, all those kinds of things,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said.

“Obviously, Frankie is dealing with a tough time with his family and we are trying to support him and make sure he’s able to kind of be there for his family right now. He’s been really receptive and was able to do all the physical things that he needed to do as far as throwing bullpens, playing catch and his flat ground work, we were able to get some eyes on him. He was able to get in last night in time to meet with Trevino. He’s had conversations each day with our staff.”

“So, I feel like we’re as prepared as you can be considering the circumstances. Unfortunately, life circumstances don’t allow it to be perfect,” Boone said. “And you just deal with it.”

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