Yankees Brace for Potential Gerrit Cole Setback, Stanton’s Elbow Woes Add to Injury Concerns
The New York Yankees are facing a potentially devastating blow to their pitching rotation as ace Gerrit Cole experiences discomfort in his throwing elbow. General Manager Brian Cashman expressed a somber outlook, acknowledging the organization shares the same anxieties as the fanbase regarding Cole’s condition.
Cole’s elbow issues surfaced after a subpar spring training outing against the Minnesota Twins. The severity of the discomfort immediately raised red flags, prompting the Yankees to initiate a thorough examination of the star pitcher’s arm. He underwent tests and imaging on his right elbow, and is seeking second opinions on the results, a move often interpreted as a sign of serious concern.
Manager Aaron Boone indicated that an update on Cole’s condition could be forthcoming soon. However, Cashman’s comments paint a picture of cautious pessimism. "We will see how it plays out," Cashman said, adopting a realistic outlook in this tough situation. "I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best."
The potential loss of Cole would be a significant setback for the Yankees, who are aiming for a deep postseason run. Cole is crucial to the team, both in the regular season and in the playoffs. If he is out, then the pressure is on other pitchers to step up.
The specter of a UCL injury looms large. Such an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament, a common ailment among pitchers, often necessitates Tommy John surgery, a procedure that sidelines a player for an extended period, typically a full year. The implications of losing Cole for the season are immense, especially given his stellar performance in 2024.
Cole’s ability was on full display in the team’s World Series run of 2024. Despite a prior elbow injury that sidelined him for a portion of spring training, he returned to form, posting a 3.41 ERA over 17 starts. In the 2023 season, he secured the American League Cy Young Award, leading the league with a 2.63 ERA and 209 innings pitched across 33 starts.
Cole played an indispensable role in the Yankees’ postseason success. Over five starts, he pitched 29.0 innings with a stellar 2.17 ERA, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His absence would undoubtedly create a void in the rotation and place considerable strain on the remaining pitchers.
Cashman acknowledged the recurring nature of Cole’s elbow issues, noting that the pitcher experienced a similar scare last season. "I was with him in Tampa," Cashman said, referring to the spring training site. "I think last year, [it was] very emotional [for Cole] because it was a whole new experience."
He added that Cole’s prior experience dealing with elbow discomfort might provide him with a mental edge this time around. "This year now, not as emotional because he’s walked this line already," Cashman explained. "And so, I think he is mentally more prepared to deal with it because he’s already dealt with that once before."
However, the fact remains that Cole’s previous elbow injury, while concerning, did not require season-ending surgery. The severity of the current situation remains uncertain, and the team is bracing for the possibility of a far worse outcome.
The Yankees are not only grappling with the potential loss of Cole but also dealing with injury concerns surrounding another key player: Giancarlo Stanton. The slugger is battling severe tennis elbow in both arms. He’s attempting to avoid season-ending surgery.
There is no current timeline for Stanton’s return. He noted that adjustments he made to his bat last season could be contributing to the tendinitis in his elbows. Stanton’s absence further compounds the Yankees’ injury woes, potentially impacting their offensive firepower.
Cashman acknowledged the difficulty of making significant roster moves at this juncture to offset these injuries. The timing of these setbacks presents a unique challenge, as most teams have already solidified their rosters.
The Yankees are already without Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, who is sidelined with a high-grade lat strain until at least June. Gil’s injury further depletes the team’s pitching depth. Marcus Stroman is expected to fill in for Gil, while Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco are potential replacements if Cole is unable to go.
With these injuries, the Yankees will need to rely on the depth of their roster to weather the storm. Players who might not have initially been considered key contributors will need to step up and perform at a high level.
The organization’s commitment to overcoming adversity will be put to the test. The resilience of the team, combined with strategic moves by the front office, will determine whether the Yankees can navigate these challenging circumstances and maintain their pursuit of a championship.
While the news surrounding Cole and Stanton casts a shadow over the team, the Yankees remain determined to compete. The team is focused on the players who are healthy and ready to contribute. They will rely on the leadership of veterans and the emergence of young talent to fill the voids created by the injuries. The Yankees are in a tough spot, but they are ready to overcome.
