The New York Yankees received some concerning injury news for the second straight season regarding ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi late Friday night, Cole is undergoing diagnostic testing on his throwing elbow.
The news comes after Cole allowed six earned runs in his latest spring training start against the Minnesota Twins.
Cole missed the first two-and-a-half months of the 2024 season due to arm issues but avoided surgery.
The 34-year-old is in his fifth season with the Yankees after signing a nine-year, $324 million contract with the team in free agency before the 2020 season.
For the most part, Cole has been worth the money. He has been one of the league’s best starters and highly durable until injury issues arose early in the 2024 season.
He has finished in the top five of the American League Cy Young voting three times with the Yankees, winning it during the 2023 season.
If Cole is healthy, New York should have a formidable starting rotation, especially after adding lefty Max Fried in free agency to go along with Cole and Luis Gil. But for now, the Yankees must hope for the best.