Gerrit Cole undergoes surgery from Tommy John.
The Yankees announced Monday that the New York Yankees ace and the 2023 Alsi Young winner will proceed on Tuesday. Dr. Neil Ellatrach performs the surgery.
Cole is in the process after experiencing elbow discomfort during spring training Thursday. He had an MRI on Friday, and ultimately revealed the need for Tommy John’s surgery.
The news is a devastating blow to the Yankees and Cole. He is approaching his 13th MLB season at the age of 34. Pitchers who have undergone procedures to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament are generally faced with timetables of 12-18 months. This procedure has been called out throughout the 2025 season, making his long-term future a questionable one as MLB ace.
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Cole dealt with the news in a statement on Instagram.
“From the time I first dreamed of wearing a Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help New York bring a World Series championship,” Cole wrote. “That dream hasn’t changed. I still believe in it and I am more determined than ever to achieve it.
“Today, the most respected medical professionals in the field recommend that I have Tommy John surgery. This is not the news that athletes want to hear, but it is the next step I need in my career.
“I have left a lot left and I’m totally committed to my future work. I attack rehab every day and support the Yankees in 2025 at each stage. I love this game, I love the competition.
The news is the second most important blow to the Yankees’ rotation, who took part in spring training, which appears to be an over-start option. The Yankees announced last week that the second-year pitcher and ruler Rookie of the Year will be on the sidelines for at least three months due to luxury rat stocks. Currently, the Yankees will not have a starter at the top of their rotation on call.
That is, Marcus Stroman, who looked outside after seeing the five-man rotation, almost certainly has regained the spot as a starter, with the Yankees still looking for a fifth. Carlos Rodon, Max Fried and Clark Schmidt fill in the remaining rotations.
The Yankees also deal with injuries in the lineup. Designated batter Giancarlo Stanton has tendonitis in both elbows and has not been shaken in spring training. He received platelet-rich plasma treatment on both elbows last week. He doesn’t have a timeline to return.
Infielder DJ lemahieu has the tension of the left calf and is also on the sidelines from baseball activities. He said on March 6th it would be at least “a few weeks” before returning to baseball.
The Yankees will have their season at home with the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27th.
