The New York Yankees are on edge as they monitor their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole. The team is concerned following reports that Cole underwent an MRI on his pitching elbow due to discomfort he experienced during a spring training game. This incident happened after a challenging outing against the Minnesota Twins, where he struggled significantly, allowing six earned runs over just 2 2/3 innings.
Cole’s recent performance raised alarms as he threw 54 pitches and averaged 95.7 mph with his four-seam fastball. His worrying outing and subsequent tests have put the Yankees in a tense situation, with fans and management alike holding their breath for news regarding his health.
Subsequent social media reports noted that Cole’s status would be clearer in a couple of days. Both MLB Network and prominent sports journalists shared the news of his MRI, emphasizing the potential impact of any injury to the Yankees’ pitching staff. Cole had been in good form during his first spring training start on February 28, where he struck out five batters and only allowed one earned run — a hopeful sign prior to the recent difficulties.
This situation is not new for Cole or the Yankees, as this is the second consecutive spring training plagued by elbow issues for the ace. Last year, he faced a setback due to nerve inflammation in his elbow, which sidelined him for several weeks and delayed his season debut until mid-June. Despite that rocky start, Cole rebounded with a solid season, posting a 3.41 ERA and helping guide the Yankees to the World Series. However, they ultimately fell short against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fans are understandably nervous about the possibility of a prolonged absence for Cole. Losing their star pitcher could be disastrous for the Yankees, especially considering the challenges they have already faced in the offseason. The team recently learned that last year’s Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, would be out for at least three months due to a lat strain. Additionally, they lost star outfielder Juan Soto to the New York Mets, which forced the organization into a flurry of roster moves to bolster their chances for the upcoming season.
Among those moves, the Yankees agreed to a significant contract with starting pitcher Max Fried, securing him for eight years on a deal worth $218 million. Such transactions underscore the urgency the Yankees feel in building a competitive rotation, particularly in light of Cole’s health uncertainties. The team also made the tough decision to trade starter Nestor Cortes as part of a strategy to enhance their bullpen.
If Cole were to miss significant time, the Yankees would be forced to adjust their pitching rotation substantially. The projected lineup could consist of Fried, Clarke Schmidt, Carlos Rodón, and possibly Marcus Stroman. This stack of talent could be filled out by either non-roster invitee Carlos Carrasco or an emerging arm like Will Warren, but it would still fall short of the strength they would have with a healthy Cole leading the charge.
The Yankees entered spring training with high hopes, expecting a strong season. Cole’s MRI results and overall health are significant for the team, as they could dramatically shift the dynamics for the 2025 season. The Yankees are poised to make a statement come opening day, but much will depend on the ace’s condition.
With spring training underway, the Yankees and their fans are eagerly waiting for updates on Cole. His contributions are vital not only to the team’s performance but also to their aspirations of reclaiming their place as one of Major League Baseball’s elite franchises. The next few days will be crucial as the team seeks to solidify its pitching plans and navigate any potential setbacks posed by Cole’s health. The baseball world watches closely as one of the game’s brightest stars faces yet another challenge.
