New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole has been dealing with pain in his throwing elbow for much of the offseason. After initial evaluations, the right-hander was sent for an MRI.
While awaiting the results of the MRI, general manager Brian Cashman admitted he was bracing for the worst. The worst in this situation would be Tommy John surgery on Cole’s ulnar collateral ligament.
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Yankees want to confirm the diagnosis
On Sunday night, former MLB general manager Jim Bowden reported that the worst-case scenario could become a reality for the Bronx Bombers and their ace on the mound.
“According to the source, Gerrit Cole has been advised to undergo TJ surgery… but they are now awaiting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis,” Bowden wrote in a post on “X” on Sunday night.
Obviously, the second opinion could change things for Cole and the Yankees, but the situation seems to have gone from bad to worse. It is not common for these second opinions to change the diagnosis or recommendations.
If Cole undergoes Tommy John surgery, it will rule him out for the entire 2025 season and possibly until 2026.
The Yankees, who no longer have Luis Gil, would have to quickly look for a replacement for Cole. An injury like this would push top prospect Will Warren into the rotation to start the year, ready or not.
Some trade options the Yankees could look to include Erick Fedde, Dylan Cease and Sandy Alcantara. They could also look to reunite with Sonny Gray or Michael King.
Either way, the Manhattan Mules should move quickly to replace Cole because it looks like he won’t be pitching in 2025.
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