New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is expected to miss one to two months of action due a right elbow injury, according to Mark W. Sanchez and Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Cole underwent an MRI earlier this week after experiencing some discomfort in his elbow during spring training. On the heels of the MRI, Cole will visit renowned sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles to evaluate the injury.
Even though the initial MRI didn’t detect a tear in the Yankees star’s elbow, ElAttrache has recommended additional testing be done to determine the extent and severity of the injury and whether or not surgery will be required.
Cole captured the American League Cy Young award last season after compiling a 15-4 record with a 2.63 ERA and 222 strikeouts over 209 innings of work. He’s made only one appearance during spring training, allowing three earned runs in two innings against the Toronto Blue Jays in Tampa on March 1.
Cole has served as the Yankees’ Opening Day starter in each of the past four seasons. With that streak poised to end, the club likely will turn to veteran right-hander Marcus Stroman, who signed with New York in January.