Spring training has turned into a nightmare for the New York Yankees, as injuries continue to mount at an alarming rate. The latest setback could be season-altering, as ace Gerrit Cole is once again dealing with soreness in his pitching elbow—a worrying case of déjà vu for the reigning American League champions.
MLB Network insider Jon Morosi reported late Friday night that the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner headed for diagnostic tests on his pitching elbow. This development has the Yankees and their fans holding their breath.
“Cole’s status should be clearer within the next couple of days,” Morosi added.
For the second consecutive spring, Cole is experiencing elbow issues, reminiscent of last year when he was shut down in March due to elbow nerve inflammation. That injury delayed his return until June 19, robbing the Yankees of their ace for nearly half the season.
The 34-year-old Yankees ace himself has insisted that he has had no recurring elbow problems since returning last year. After his 2.2-inning, six-run outing against the Twins on Thursday, he brushed off concerns about his velocity (which sat between 94-96 mph) and expressed satisfaction with his progress.
However, the following day, Cole “didn’t feel right,” leading to immediate medical evaluations. With fellow starter Luis Gil already sidelined for months with a high-grade lat strain, the Yankees’ rotation depth is now in serious jeopardy.
Yankees alarmed as history set to repeat itself
Thursday’s spring training start against Minnesota, where Cole struggled uncharacteristically, allowing six runs in just 2⅔ innings. What makes the situation particularly concerning is that Thursday’s outing showed no immediate red flags regarding velocity. Cole’s fastball averaged a robust 95.7 mph and topped out at 97.6 mph, though his command appeared inconsistent throughout the appearance.
While Cole’s velocity appeared normal during Thursday’s outing, his command was noticeably inconsistent – a potential warning sign that went beyond typical spring training adjustment periods.
This marks an alarming pattern for the Yankees ace, who missed the first half of the 2024 season with similar elbow issues before returning to help guide the Yankees to a playoff berth.
The Yankees organization has remained tight-lipped about Cole’s condition, with team officials declining to comment until diagnostic testing is complete.
Cole’s current situation eerily mirrors last spring’s developments, when the right-hander was diagnosed with elbow nerve inflammation and edema after just one Grapefruit League appearance. That injury sidelined him until June 2024.
Yankees rotation already facing heat
Cole’s uncertain status compounds an already concerning situation for the Yankees’ starting rotation. The team recently lost AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil to a high-grade lat strain, which is expected to sideline him until at least June.
What began as one of baseball’s most formidable rotations — featuring Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Gil, and Clarke Schmidt — has quickly become a significant question mark with Opening Day just 19 days away.
The Yankees front office now faces difficult decisions about how to address these pitching shortfalls, especially with such a short timeframe before Opening Day.
Right-hander Will Warren, who has impressed this spring with a 2.45 ERA across three appearances, appears to be first in line for rotation consideration should Cole miss time. Beyond Warren, veteran Carlos Carrasco and non-roster invitee Allan Winans represent the remaining depth options.
Two more injuries throw Yankees’ pen into disarray
As if the Yankees’ injury concerns weren’t severe enough, their bullpen has been further depleted, with relievers Clayton Beeter and Tyler Matzek now expected to miss the start of the season.
Clayton Beeter, who dealt with offseason shoulder tightness, had been vying for a bullpen spot. However, he confirmed on Friday that he won’t be ready before spring training ends. The 26-year-old right-hander pitched in three MLB games last season but will now be evaluated on a week-to-week basis.
Meanwhile, lefty Tyler Matzek, once a dominant reliever for the Atlanta Braves, suffered a right oblique strain after showing promise in his Yankees spring debut.
“I didn’t feel it in the outing at all,” Matzek said. “No pain when I was throwing. I felt fantastic. I went down in the bullpen and threw 10 more pitches after the outing. I felt good after that.
Then I started to tighten up on the ride home. I played catch on it the next three days thinking it was just something tight, but my next scheduled appearance came up and I was still tight. That’s when I got a precautionary MRI, and it showed, yeah, I do have something in there. That was a shock to me.”
Matzek, 34, had been hoping to rediscover his elite 2020-22 form after missing all of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery. His setback means he won’t be available for Opening Day, though he plans to begin a throwing program on Monday.
“That’s the plan,” Matzek said. “I’ve been throwing a med ball against the wall and checking all the boxes. The next one is playing catch on Monday.”
This adds to an already growing list of Yankees relievers on the injured list:
- Jonathan Loaisiga (Tommy John rehab, May return expected)
- Jake Cousins (forearm strain, April return possible)
- Scott Effross (hamstring strain, return TBD)
- Clayton Beeter (shoulder, out indefinitely)
- Tyler Matzek (oblique, out for Opening Day at minimum)
Who fills the gaps in the Yankees’ pitching staff?
With their pitching staff in disarray, the Yankees’ Opening Day roster will require significant adjustments. The 26-man roster must include 13 pitchers, typically split between five starters and eight relievers. At the moment, six relievers are assured of roster spots. They are Devin Williams (closer), Luke Weaver, Ian Hamilton, Fernando Cruz, Mark Leiter Jr., and Tim Hill (lefty specialist).
That leaves two bullpen spots open, with several candidates in the mix. They are
- Yoendrys Gómez (out of minor league options, a leading candidate)
- Yerry De Los Santos (strong spring performance)
- Brent Headrick (LHP)
- Sean Boyle, Colten Brewer, Geoff Hartlieb, Eric Reyzelman, Rob Zastryzny (non-roster candidates)
Additionally, veteran Carlos Carrasco—initially signed as a depth starter—could make the team as a long reliever.
Financial implications
While the Yankees‘ primary concern centers on winning baseball games, Cole’s situation does carry financial implications. Sources confirm the team maintains insurance on Cole’s nine-year, $324 million contract, potentially allowing them to recoup a portion of his $36 million 2025 salary should he miss significant time.
The policy reportedly includes a 90-day deductible period before benefits become payable.
Yankees facing early season test
As March 27 Opening Day vs. the Brewers approaches, the Yankees are entering the season far from full strength. The potential loss of Gerrit Cole would be catastrophic, leaving Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Clarke Schmidt to carry the rotation.
With several key bullpen arms down, manager Aaron Boone will have limited options to navigate high-leverage innings. The team’s depth will be tested immediately, and fans should expect roster moves before the season begins.
If the Yankees want to remain AL contenders, they must address these injury setbacks quickly—whether through internal promotions, trades, or free-agent signings.
How should the Yankees handle these injury concerns? Should they explore a major trade for pitching depth or wait for their roster to heal? Share your thoughts below!
