Gerrit Cole Joins Injured Yankees Ranks, Awaiting Second Opinion After Right Elbow Imaging
The New York Yankees’ pitching staff has been hit with another setback, as ace Gerrit Cole is now dealing with soreness in his right elbow. The 33-year-old right-hander, who has been the backbone of the Yankees’ rotation for several years, underwent imaging on his elbow following discomfort during a recent start. Now, the team is waiting for a second opinion from a specialist to determine the extent of the injury and the best course of action moving forward.
The news came as a shock to Yankees fans, who were already dealing with a string of injuries that had impacted both their pitching staff and lineup. Cole, who has been one of the most consistent and dominant pitchers in the majors, has been the one steady force for the Yankees, posting a stellar ERA and regularly keeping the team in games. However, with this latest injury, questions about the team’s pitching depth have intensified.
Cole’s right elbow discomfort reportedly began during his start on March 6, 2025, against the Toronto Blue Jays. The ace finished the game but felt lingering soreness afterward. The Yankees immediately opted to have him undergo imaging to rule out any structural damage. While the results have not yet been fully disclosed, sources close to the team have indicated that the injury is not immediately deemed severe, but the possibility of something more serious remains on the table.
The Yankees are now in the process of getting a second opinion on Cole’s elbow from an orthopedic specialist. This is a critical step, as it could determine whether the right-hander will require an extended period of rest, a potential rehab assignment, or even more invasive treatments such as injections or surgery. The Yankees’ medical team has been proactive in addressing the issue, but until they have a clearer understanding of Cole’s condition, the team is holding its breath.
For the Yankees, the timing of this injury could not be worse. With several key players already on the injured list, including outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, the team had been hoping for a strong start to the season with their ace leading the charge. Now, uncertainty looms over the staff, as Cole’s potential absence could leave the Yankees scrambling to fill the void in their rotation.
Should Cole be sidelined for an extended period, the Yankees will likely turn to their other starting pitchers to step up. Luis Severino, who has had an up-and-down career but remains a key piece of the rotation, could be asked to take on more responsibility. Additionally, young arms like Clarke Schmidt and Johnny Brito could see expanded roles in Cole’s absence. The Yankees will also likely keep a close eye on the trade market, where pitching depth could become a priority in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, Cole has expressed confidence that the injury is manageable, emphasizing that he’s taking all the necessary precautions and is committed to returning to the mound as soon as possible. “It’s frustrating, but I’m just trying to stay positive and make sure we get all the right information before we make any decisions,” Cole said. “The goal is to get back out there as soon as I can and help the team.”
As of now, the Yankees and their fans will have to wait for more clarity on Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury, hoping that it isn’t the start of a prolonged issue for their ace. The next few days will be critical in determining how the team will move forward in their quest to remain competitive in the American League.
