New York Yankees fans are already dealing with a wave of injury setbacks ahead of Opening Day—and it just got worse.
Reports from several sources, including MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi, revealed Friday night that Gerrit Cole is undergoing tests on his right elbow. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner struggled in his last outing, giving up six runs in just 2.2 innings against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.
“Cole’s status should be clearer in the next few days,” Morosi tweeted.
This is a massive blow for the Yankees. Last year, Cole missed over two months with right elbow soreness but made a successful return, posting a 3.41 ERA and 2.0 bWAR over 17 starts.
Gerrit ColeThe fact that Cole is dealing with elbow issues again raises serious concerns. The team is already without reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who is sidelined indefinitely with a high-grade lat strain, as well as Giancarlo Stanton (elbow) and DJ LeMahieu (calf).
“Cancel the season,” one frustrated fan tweeted.
Another fan expressed, “The Yankees can handle the other injuries, but they can’t afford to lose Cole if this is serious.”
Cole has four years and $144 million left on his contract, and if he needs Tommy John surgery, he could be out for most of the season, if not longer.
Despite this, FanDuel Sportsbook still has the Yankees at +700 odds to win the World Series, second only to the Los Angeles Dodgers at +240.
“End the season now,” one fan lamented. “The window is closed for Cole and Judge.”
Another fan added, “I’ve never wanted a season to end before it even starts, but here we are.”
In true dark humor fashion, one fan jokingly asked, “Have you or a loved one’s elbow(s) been injured while wearing a New York Yankees uniform? You might be entitled to compensation.”
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