Gerrit Cole, the ace pitcher for the New York Yankees and the 2023 AL Cy Young award winner, will undergo Tommy John surgery, a procedure that could significantly impact his career. The announcement was made by the Yankees on Monday, revealing that Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the surgery on Tuesday.
The need for surgery arose after Cole experienced elbow discomfort during a spring training game last Thursday. An MRI taken the following day confirmed the necessity for Tommy John surgery, a common procedure among pitchers to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). This surgery typically requires a recovery period of 12 to 18 months, meaning Cole will miss the entirety of the 2025 season and potentially cloud his future as a leading pitcher in Major League Baseball (MLB).
In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, Cole expressed his commitment to the team and to recovering from the surgery. “From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York,” he wrote. He emphasized that while this news is troubling, he is eager to tackle his rehabilitation and remain supportive of the team during his recovery. “I have a lot left to give,” he stated, showing determination to return stronger than ever.
The loss of Cole is a tough blow for the Yankees, who entered spring training with high expectations for their roster. Prior to Cole’s announcement, the team also reported that Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, will be sidelined for at least three months due to a high-grade lat strain. With both Cole and Gil out, the Yankees now face challenges in establishing a solid starting rotation.
In light of these injuries, Marcus Stroman is likely to step up and secure a place as a starter for the Yankees, filling the gap left by Cole. Additionally, Carlos Rodón, Max Fried, and Clarke Schmidt will round out the starting rotation as the team navigates this critical phase of the season.
The Yankees’ injury woes do not stop at the pitching staff. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton is struggling with tendinitis in both elbows, which has prevented him from participating fully in spring training. Stanton recently underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy again but remains without a clear timeline for his return. Similarly, infielder DJ LeMahieu is dealing with a left calf strain and has been absent from baseball activities; he has mentioned that it could take a few weeks before he can resume play.
Despite these setbacks, the Yankees are aiming to remain competitive and hope to bounce back as they prepare for their season opener. The team is set to begin their season at home against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27. With key players facing injuries and uncertainty, the Yankees will need to rely on their depth and resilience to navigate the upcoming season.
As the organization gears up for the challenges ahead, the focus will remain on supporting the players during their recovery and development, while also maintaining a winning mindset. The loss of a star pitcher like Cole undoubtedly affects team dynamics, but the spirit and determination of the Yankees will be crucial in overcoming these hurdles.
In the face of adversity, the Yankees are encouraged to rally together, drawing on their strengths as they work through this busy season. The fans and the organization alike are hopeful that Cole’s surgery and recovery will lead to a successful return, enabling him to chase after the championship that has long been a dream for him and the entire Yankees community.
