Injuries continue to plague the New York Yankees rotation as spring training unfolds.
Earlier this week, the Yankees learned reigning American League Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will be sidelined several months due to a high-grade lat strain in his right pitching shoulder.
Gil emerged as one of the Yankees’ best arms in 2024, going 15-9 in 29 starts with a 3.50 ERA, 117 ERA+, 1.193 WHIP, and 171 strikeouts in a career-high 151 2/3 innings. The young right-hander did, however, walk an MLB-leading 77 hitters.
Gil’s history with injuries adds another layer of concern to this setback. He was limited to just one start in 2022 and missed the entire 2023 MLB season following reconstructive elbow surgery. This latest injury is expected to keep him out until June at the earliest.
Now, the Yankees are dealing with potentially devastating news about their ace.
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New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole ‘concerned’ about elbow discomfort
The Yankees could be without 2023 AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole for a significant stretch after he experienced discomfort in his elbow following Thursday’s spring training start. Cole struggled in that outing, surrendering six runs in just 2 2/3 innings against the Minnesota Twins.
He has already undergone diagnostic imaging, but the results haven’t been revealed publicly. Cole is currently seeking a second opinion.
“We have an initial idea, but we’re going to wait to see exactly what everybody says before we come to our conclusion,” Cole told MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch.
This marks the second consecutive spring training the 34-year-old ace has dealt with arm issues. He was limited to 22 starts last year, including playoffs, and didn’t make his season debut until June due to right elbow inflammation and edema.
“I’ve still got some hope,” Cole said to MLB.com. “I’m still just waiting for the experts to weigh in.”
Gerrit Cole said the imaging of his elbow has already been distributed and he is seeking second opinions. No travel booked at this time. “I’ve still got some hope. I’m just waiting for the experts to weigh in.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) March 8, 2025
The Yankees rotation currently stands with two-time All-Star Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt, who has been dealing with a stiff back himself. Marcus Stroman, whom the Yankees reportedly tried to move in the offseason, will most likely find himself in the rotation to begin the season.
To fill the last spot, New York could turn to Will Warren, Carlos Carrasco, or Allan Winans.
In 17 regular season starts, Cole went 8-5, struck out 99 across 95 innings, with a 3.41 ERA, 121 ERA+, 3.69 FIP, and a 1.126 WHIP.
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