It looks like the New York Yankees might be staring down their worst fear. Their ace, Gerrit Cole, is undergoing tests for elbow pain. And given his history with injuries, fans are on edge.
With several other key pitchers already out, could this be the surprise blow that derails the Yankees’ season?
Gerrit Cole’s Past Elbow Nerve Inflammation Raises Concerns
Cole’s performance in a spring training outing against the Minnesota Twins raised concerns, as he allowed six runs in just 2 2/3 innings. Even though his fastball velocity was good, he struggled with control.
That led to multiple rapid medical evaluations. And this isn’t the first round of elbow troubles Cole has had. Last March and until June, he had missed time with nerve inflammation in his elbow.
Since playing in a recent spring training game, Cole expressed concern over his right elbow after experiencing lingering soreness. According to him, he’s waiting for imaging results, “hoping for the best.”
There were some positives in the game, but the soreness got worse afterward, strongly suggesting a potential issue.
Gerrit Cole said he is “concerned” about what the imaging on his right elbow will show. He expects to know more in the next couple of days. “I’m hoping for the best.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 8, 2025
The Yankees are facing a difficult situation, particularly if they lose Cole. Their rotation is already shaky, and with Luis Gil expected to be out for at least three months with a significant lat strain, New York is running low on pitching options.
Marcus Stroman is expected to step in for Gil, and if Cole can’t play, they might have to call up someone like Will Warren. Overall, though, the Yankees’ starting depth is looking thin.
Injury Setbacks to Multiple Pitchers Leaves Yankees Searching for Stability
The Yankees’ pitching problems go beyond Cole and Gil. Another key rotation piece, Jonathan Loáisiga, was diagnosed with a right flexor strain last April after pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks. In an interview, he said he was diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) that can only be fixed with surgery and requires at least 60 days of rest.
The issues have evolved into a genuine headache for the Yankees’ management. Perhaps they need to check the free agent market or trades to augment their rotation, but financial constraints and luxury tax considerations could leave them with little room to hold a losing season against them.
They’ve already had to stretch the payroll in recent financial decisions to accommodate some big contracts. With the season approaching, the Yankees will have to navigate these injuries carefully. Also, the health and performance of New York’s pitching staff will be a major factor in determining whether they can compete.
