New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, is set to undergo an MRI on his right elbow after experiencing difficulties in recovering from his spring training starts. Known for his durability, Cole has consistently made at least 30 starts in each of the last six full regular seasons.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone revealed that Cole has been facing challenges in his recovery process leading up to his next start, likening it to the fatigue typically experienced during the regular season after throwing 100 pitches. Despite showing good stuff and command during his outings, Cole has been struggling with his recovery, which is unusual for him.
The 33-year-old has been throwing fewer pitches in his spring training appearances compared to other members of the rotation. While there is a level of discomfort, Boone clarified that Cole is not in significant pain.
Cole, who is entering the fifth season of a lucrative nine-year contract with the Yankees, has the option to opt out after this season and become a free agent. However, the team has the ability to prevent his opt-out by guaranteeing a $36 million salary for the 2029 season.
In other news, Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge is expected to sit out until Wednesday due to spring training fatigue. Judge has been absent from on-field batting practice in recent days and was removed from Sunday's game against Atlanta after three innings and two strikeouts.
These developments raise concerns for the Yankees as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team will await the results of Cole's MRI to determine the extent of his elbow issue and monitor Judge's condition as they aim to field a competitive roster.
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