The New York Yankees are facing a sudden and unexpected concern as their ace pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to undergo an MRI exam on his right elbow.
This development comes after Cole failed to bounce back from throwing as smoothly and effectively as expected during spring training.
Aaron Boone told reporters that Gerrit Cole is having an MRI on his right elbow pic.twitter.com/cfUGCi9Cvb
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 11, 2024
Manager Aaron Boone addressed the issue from BayCare Ballpark, prior to the Bombers taking on the Phillies.
“His recovery, before getting to his next start, has been more akin to what he feels during the season, when he’s making 100 pitches.” Boone said.
“When he’s at 45 [pitches] and building to 55, he usually doesn’t have the recovery issues he’s having,” Boone concerningly added.
This is going to be the most stressful week of my life isn’t it
— joe (@BurdenBurner) March 11, 2024
Cole is the reigning American League Cy Young winner and is arguably the best pitcher in all of baseball.
He was expected to make his second Grapefruit League start on Tuesday before the concerning news came about.
Blake Snell after the Gerrit Cole news. pic.twitter.com/v96mo43lTp
— Evan Daniel (@itsmrevandaniel) March 11, 2024
Scott Boras seeing Gerrit Cole getting an MRI on his pitching elbow pic.twitter.com/dePeu1LdSc
— Joe Esposito (@joey21espo) March 11, 2024
Known for his durability and reliability, especially since joining the Yankees in 2020, Cole’s potential injury raises concerns for New York’s pitching rotation.
Boone and the Yankees will now await the results of the MRI scan to determine the extent of Cole’s injury.
When you open Twitter to find Gerrit Cole is getting an MRI and Aaron Judge is already hurting pic.twitter.com/F70eXXGRfa
— Gordon Damer (@gordondamer) March 11, 2024
Despite Boone acknowledging a certain level of discomfort, he clarified, “I wouldn’t describe it as he’s in pain.”
Other than maybe Aaron Judge, Cole is the last player the Yankees want to worry about when it comes to health.
🚨 Emergency Press Conference 🚨
Gerrit Cole needs an MRI on his elbow pic.twitter.com/OLmY2UZLhW
— Jimmy Randazzo (@JimmyRandazzo) March 11, 2024
With Carlos Rodon’s continued struggles, the Yankees aren’t exactly comfortable with their pitching rotation.
Yes, it’s a very long season – but losing Cole for any amount of time would be of great concern.
Prayer circle.
🕯 🕯
🕯 🕯
Gerrit Cole’s
🕯 MRI comes 🕯
back clean
🕯 🕯
🕯 🕯 pic.twitter.com/oG212qPMPd— Andrew DeCeglie (@Andrew_FBB) March 11, 2024
What are your thoughts on the news?
Are you worried that this might be part of a bigger problem with Cole?
Or do you think Boone and the Yankees are just being precautious and this whole thing is not a big deal at all???
Yankees fans after hearing about Gerrit Cole. pic.twitter.com/f6ejqMpX5v
— Evan Daniel (@itsmrevandaniel) March 11, 2024