- The New York Yankees are reeling after their latest spring training injury. Ace pitcher Gerrit Cole will miss the 2025 season.
- Cole has an injured throwing elbow that requires “Tommy John” surgery. He sought a second opinion in Los Angeles on Monday.
- Other star players like pitcher Luis Gil, slugger Giancarlo Stanton and third baseman DJ LeMahieu are also out for an extended time.
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The New York Yankees spring went from bad to worse with the news that ace and former Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is out for the season due to an elbow injury requiring “Tommy John” surgery. Cole was expected to be the Yankee’s Opening Day starter.
Cole reported discomfort in his throwing elbow after allowing six runs to the Minnesota Twins during spring training starting Thursday, March 6, prompting doctors to get imaging done. He sought a second opinion from a doctor in Los Angeles on Monday, March 10, that confirmed the worst. Cole posted a message to the fans on Instagram that read in part:
“This isn’t the news any athlete wants to hear, but it’s the necessary next step for my career. I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound—stronger than ever. See you soon,” Cole said.
How are the Yankees reacting to Cole’s news?
Cole’s teammates believe he’ll still contribute to the team with his knowledge and competitive spirit.
“We all know how talented Gerrit is and how much of an ace he is in this league. There’s not a lot of Gerrit Cole-type pitchers in MLB. So, he’ll be very missed; I just wish him the best,” fellow starter Clarke Schmidt said.
Cole had elbow inflammation early in spring training last season. With rest and rehab, he was able to come back and become a major contributor to the Yankees World Series run. That said, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman feared the worst this time around.
“Again, y’know, pitching is very difficult to maintain health, and you’re always one pitch away. So, y’know, the longer you get away from somebody’s episode, with success and no complaints, the less you think about it,” Cashman said.
What does Cole’s absence mean for the rotation?
Cashman is now thinking about the huge hole that Cole’s absence leaves in the starting rotation. The six-time All-Star is on a Hall of Fame path and other than the last two seasons has been durable, throwing the second most innings in the majors since 2017.
With rookie of the year Luis Gil also missing at least three months with a strained muscle in his back, the Yankees Opening Day rotation will be led by the newly acquired Max Fried. Following Fried will likely be Carlos Rodon and Schmidt. After that, there are questions about who will pitch and how long.
How much more bad news can the team take?
Another issue adding to the Yankee’s tough spring is a slew of problems on the offensive side. Slugger Giancarlo Stanton is dealing with a sore elbow and likely won’t play until at least June. Third baseman DJ LeMahieu also missed the entire spring with a calf injury and is not expected back until mid-April.
With more than two weeks to go before opening day, Cashman admits they’ll likely have to wait a while before they find a trade partner willing to send them the help they need.
