TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees’ star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, underwent an evaluation of his right elbow following concerns that have arisen during spring training performance. Cole, who is 34 years old, experienced a challenging spring outing against the Minnesota Twins, allowing six runs on five hits over 2 2/3 innings. Despite feeling well during the game, he reported increasing discomfort afterward. “Something wasn’t right,” Cole shared on Saturday.
The pitcher discussed the situation with reporters, indicating that he has already completed imaging tests, and he is currently awaiting second opinions to better understand the extent of the issue. “I’ve still got some hope,” Cole added.
Last year, Cole missed the onset of the season due to issues with nerve irritation and swelling in his right elbow. Eventually, the six-time All-Star achieved an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA over 17 starts. He continued to perform in the postseason, finishing 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA over five starts. Cole previously entered into a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees before the 2020 season and went on to win the AL Cy Young Award in 2023 with a 15-4 record and an AL-best 2.63 ERA in 33 starts.
The Yankees are contending with significant injury challenges this spring. Right-hander Luis Gil will miss the start of the season due to a lat strain, while Giancarlo Stanton will begin the year on the injured list because of issues in both of his elbows. Infielder DJ LeMahieu is also dealing with a left calf strain.
Stanton is set to undergo his third series of platelet-rich plasma injections. In conversation with the media, he described his elbow injuries as severe, although he feels they have improved compared to the beginning of spring training.
