As the New York Yankees and Gerrit Cole seek conclusive answers about the health of his throwing elbow, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner’s outlook worsens.
Cole will travel to Los Angeles for another opinion on MRI and other test results, and he will not pitch for the Yankees until at least May, according to a person with firsthand knowledge of his condition.
The person spoke to USA TODAY Sports on the condition of anonymity because the Yankees have yet to formally reveal Cole’s prognosis.
Neal ElAttrache, a well-known orthopedist, will evaluate Cole, 33, in person after the Yankees medical staff reviews the exam results.
The Yankees sent Cole for testing after he reported that his arm was not rebounding back from spring-training throwing workouts in the usual manner.
Cole has only appeared in one Grapefruit League game, but he pushed his pitch count beyond 50 during a live batting practice session. This pause seemed to dash any hopes that Cole would be ready for Opening Day.
Cole, who is entering the fifth year of a nine-year, $324 million contract, will first rest his elbow before ramping back up, assuming no ligament damage. New York’s season begins on March 28.
Cole is expected to be absent for an extended period of time, according to the New York Post.
The tale dealt a significant blow to the Yankees, who went all-in this season, selling pitcher Michael King and prospects to San Diego for All-Star hitter Juan Soto, who is due for free agency after the season.
While the squad still intends to dramatically improve on its 82-80 record, Cole’s departure leaves an immediate – and possibly long-term – void in their pitching depth. Marcus Stroman, who was just signed, moves from the middle to the front of the rotation, and the club will rely even more on bounceback seasons from lefties Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes, as well as Clarke Schmidt’s progress.
That limited rotation can still be addressed externally, with top free agents Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery still on the market, as well as Chicago White Sox star Dylan Cease available for trade.
The Yankees have yet to significantly reengage with Snell after their $150 million offer to the reigning NL Cy Young champion was turned down earlier this winter.
Perhaps their stance will change, with their own Cy Young winner on the shelf for at least the first third of the season.
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