Yankees ace Gerrit Cole expressed concern Saturday over his elbow injury, admitting he is “hoping for the best” but acknowledging the severity of the situation. The reigning AL Cy Young winner revealed that imaging taken Friday night provided an initial assessment, but he is awaiting further evaluations before deciding on the next steps.
Asked about the possibility of surgery on the same elbow that sidelined him for much of the first half of last season, Cole did not dismiss the concern. “I’m concerned,” he said. “It’s alarming.”
The Yankees, already facing injury woes, now grapple with the possibility of losing their top starter for an extended period. Last spring, Cole was diagnosed with elbow nerve inflammation and edema after his first outing, delaying his season debut until June. He managed to return and start 17 games before leading the Yankees’ postseason push.
Now, with another elbow issue arising in spring training, the outlook is uncertain. Compounding the team’s struggles, right-hander Luis Gil—expected to be a key rotation piece—was recently sidelined with a high-grade lat strain, ruling him out until at least midseason.
Yankees’ rotation faces uncertainty
Cole’s latest injury surfaced after his second spring start Thursday against the Twins, where he allowed six runs over 2 2/3 innings. Despite building his pitch count to 54, Cole had been pleased with his velocity—his fastball averaged 95.7 mph, peaking at 97.6 mph—but admitted his command was off.
Initially feeling fine post-game, discomfort set in later. “As I got home, it continued to get more and more sore,” Cole said. “Something wasn’t right… It was tough to sleep. It was alarming the next morning.”
The setback follows an offseason in which Cole and the Yankees adjusted his throwing program, beginning work earlier than usual in November. “We came up with a plan to mitigate the risks, and I executed it,” he said. “I felt the best I had in some time leading up [to the last start].”
If Cole is forced to miss time, the Yankees will likely turn to Will Warren, while Marcus Stroman—signed in the offseason—has already been moved into the rotation to compensate for Gil’s absence. Clarke Schmidt acknowledged the challenge ahead. “It’s very tough,” he said. “There’s not a way to sugarcoat it. He’s a top-of-the-league-type guy.”
Cole’s uncertain status adds to the Yankees’ growing list of injury concerns. Giancarlo Stanton (elbows) and DJ LeMahieu (calf) are also sidelined, while bullpen arms Jake Cousins (forearm) and Tyler Matzek (oblique) are out.
Having opted out of his contract in the offseason, Cole ultimately returned to the Yankees when the team declined to extend his deal. Now, with four years and $144 million remaining, his immediate future hangs in the balance.
Despite the uncertainty, Cole remains hopeful. “I’ve still got some hope,” he said. “You take the risk every year. It’s just tough.”
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