The injury bug has already taken a bite out of a big star in the Big Apple.
For the first time since 2016, Gerrit Cole will be missing a start for a non-COVID related reason. The Yankees' ace put a scare into fans and the organization during spring training when it was revealed he was headed for an MRI. Following a series of tests, everyone associated with the pinstripes was able to breathe a collective sigh of relief.
Results showed there are no tears in Cole's UCL, meaning a little rest and relaxation should do the trick. If everything goes according to plan, Cole will be back on the hill at Yankee Stadium this season. But how long it be before the ace returns to game action?
Here is everything you need to know about Cole's injury, including what it is and how long he'll be out.
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What is Gerrit Cole's injury?
Cole revealed he was dealing with nerve inflammation and edema in his pitching elbow, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. The 2023 AL Cy Young award winner pitched in just one spring training game, going two innings and tossing 39 pitches on March 1. He threw 47 pitches in a simulated game on March 7, but Cole complained of arm fatigue.
The fatigue, he said, was consistent with that of throwing 100-plus pitches in a mid-season game.
After an MRI, X-Rays, and CT scan, the New York Post reported that Cole was prescribed rest, rehab, and some conservative, non-surgical treatments rather than the dreaded Tommy John surgery.
While less than ideal, it does seem that Cole will be able to pitch again in 2024 after an extended absence.
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How long is Gerrit Cole out?
The hope for Cole is reportedly to be back on the mound by June 1, according to the New York Post's Jon Heyman.
The initial timeline keeps Cole from throwing for three-to-four weeks. The hope is that he can begin throwing again following that period of rest, which should end in the first half of April.
Once Cole gets back on the mound, however, he will essentially need another spring training to prepare for his return to the rubber. After adding another six weeks to the initial three- or four-week period of inactivity, baseball fans shouldn't expect to see Cole until May or June at the earliest.
As with any other injury, there will always be worries about a setback. While surgery isn't on the table at the moment, it could end up becoming a possibility if the issue reveals itself again.
The ace has been everything the Yankees could've asked for and more since arriving in the Bronx in December 2019. Outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Cole has made at least 30 starts in every season for New York, solidifying himself as arguably the game's best pitcher.
Until Cole returns, the Yankees are expected to go into the season with a rotation that includes Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, Clarke Schmidt, and Luis Gil.
