New York Yankees’ ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, who currently holds the AL Cy Young title, is facing a setback as he’s expected to sit out for a minimum of 4-6 weeks due to an elbow injury, confirmed by CBS Sports HQ’s Jim Bowden on Wednesday.
Cole underwent several tests, including an MRI, CT scan, and X-rays, prompting Dr. Neal ElAttrache to request an in-person appointment in Los Angeles for further evaluation, scheduled for Thursday. Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone refrained from specifying a timeline for Cole’s return to the field.
According to a report by the New York Post following Cole’s consultation with the renowned surgeon, there’s a glimmer of hope as it’s believed he may avoid Tommy John surgery with a regimen of rest, rehabilitation, and conservative, non-surgical treatment.
MLB.com suggests a recovery timeline of 10-12 weeks. Boone had previously expressed concerns about Cole’s recovery between outings, particularly after his spring debut on March 1 where he pitched two innings and threw 39 pitches. Since then, Cole hasn’t played in any games, although he did participate in a simulated game on March 7, throwing 45-50 pitches.
The potential absence of Cole, a cornerstone of the Yankees’ pitching rotation, could pose significant challenges for the team striving to make a postseason comeback following their disappointing 2023 season. His reliability and exceptional performance make him a linchpin player for the Yankees. Cole’s last missed start due to a non-COVID-related issue was back in 2016.
The Yankees’ pitching roster, with Cole potentially sidelined for two months, presents concerns over depth:
- RHP Gerrit Cole (possibly out for two months)
- LHP Carlos Rodón (struggled with injuries and form in 2023)
- RHP Marcus Stroman
- LHP Nestor Cortes (faced injuries and form issues in 2023)
- RHP Clarke Schmidt (set a new career high for innings pitched in 2023)
- RHP Luke Weaver
- RHP Will Warren (not on the 40-man roster)
Should Cole’s injury prove long-term, the Yankees may need to explore options in the market for additional starting pitchers. Available free agents such as reigning NL Cy Young winner Blake Snell and former Yankee Jordan Montgomery could offer significant upgrades to the rotation.
Cole, aged 33, holds the option to opt out of his remaining contract, valued at four years and $144 million, after this season. However, the Yankees have the option to negate this opt-out by activating a one-year club option worth $36 million. Despite this injury setback, it’s still early to determine its impact on Cole’s contract decision.
During the previous season, Cole showcased remarkable performance, leading the league in multiple categories including innings pitched, ERA, ERA+, WHIP, and WAR. His only other arm-related injury occurred in 2016 during his tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he spent approximately six weeks on the injured list due to elbow inflammation.
In addition to Cole’s injury, the Yankees are also monitoring outfielder Aaron Judge, who underwent an MRI for his abdominal region and is currently on a break from swinging a bat.
