New York Yankees fans received disturbing news as Cy Young winning ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to be sidelined for at least one-to-two months due to concerns over his elbow.
According to reports, Cole will travel to Los Angeles for an appointment with renowned sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Gerrit Cole will miss at least 1-2 months and will see Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for further testing pic.twitter.com/Q79vGXwgWY
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 13, 2024
While initial examinations by Yankees medical staff and ElAttrache did not reveal a tear in Cole’s ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), there is sufficient worry regarding the ligament’s condition to warrant an in-person evaluation.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole
Right elbow injury
He is expect to miss at at least one-to-two months per @JonHeyman
What do we know?
There reportedly is NOT a tear in his UCL, but there is enough concern for him to fly to LA to get evaluated by
Dr. Neal ElAttrache.Here’s how… pic.twitter.com/cMCHCZJvyx
— Jesse Morse, MD (@DrJesseMorse) March 13, 2024
The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner is anticipated to miss an “extended period,” though there remains hope within the organization that he could return sometime in May or early June.
However, recent recommendations by ElAttrache have escalated concerns, necessitating further testing.
Why do I feel like we have a Tommy John event coming soon?
— David Blackmon's Energy Absurdity (@EnergyAbsurdity) March 13, 2024
Yankees manager Aaron Boone had already ruled out Cole’s availability for Opening Day, indicating bad news was about to come – and it sure did.
Cole will need time for swelling and inflammation to diminish before embarking on a regimen to regain strength and major league pitching form.
Gerrit Cole update. The Yankees need a starter IMMEDIATELY. pic.twitter.com/bDTVRF6Y6I
— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) March 13, 2024
Despite displaying his trademark velocity and command during spring training, Cole’s recovery from the elbow issue has proved challenging.
The discomfort arose after a recent start, prompting the team to recommend an MRI examination, leading to ongoing testing procedures.
A Gerrit Cole update. pic.twitter.com/LgCseTXs39
— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) March 13, 2024
Former Yankees standout Masahiro Tanaka notably continued pitching despite a compromised elbow ligament, but the outcome varies among pitchers.
Cole’s absence presents a significant setback for the Yankees, given his pivotal role as the unquestioned ace and workhorse on the pitching staff.
Wouldn’t call this a massive W
— BanterMets 🇩🇲 (@BanterMets) March 13, 2024
Will this unfortunate injury news cause general manager Brian Cashman to finally pull the trigger on free agent pitchers Blake Snell and/or Jordan Montgomery???
Would the Yankees be better off trading for Dylan Cease – assuming Spencer Jones isn’t included in the deal?
What should Cashman do???
On a day where there's optimism on the Gerrit Cole front, Carlos Rodón has gone 9 up 9 down with 3 punch outs. Easily his best spring start so far.
— Max Greenfield (@GreenfieldMax18) March 13, 2024