Gerrit Cole Undergoing MRI On Right Elbow

Yankees ace and reigning American League Cy Younger winner Gerrit Cole is headed for an MRI on his proper elbow, supervisor Aaron Boone instructed reporters Monday morning (X link through Newsday’s David Lennon). Cole hasn’t been recovering as nicely between throwing periods and can get his elbow checked out to find out if there’s an damage at play. The imaging will happen right this moment.

Boone didn’t present extra particulars. The group’s stage of concern concerning a possible critical damage isn’t clear, although imaging carried out on any pitcher’s elbow is an ominous signal. That’s significantly true in a Yankees rotation that may sick afford to lose its ace. Granted, no group is constructed to face up to the lack of a reigning Cy Younger winner, however the rotation behind Cole is crammed with a collection of query marks.

The primary season of Carlos Rodon’s six-year, $162MM contract with the Yankees performed out in disastrous style. After a dominant two-year run between the White Sox and Giants from 2021-22, Rodon was restricted by accidents in 2023, logging simply 14 begins (64 1/3 innings) and yielding a grisly 6.85 ERA with strikeout and stroll charges that each trended closely within the unsuitable path (22.4% and 9.8%, respectively — down from 33.9% and seven.1% within the two seasons prior).

A strained left rotator cuff restricted southpaw Nestor Cortes Jr. to a near-identical slate of 63 1/3 frames in 2023. He’s damaged out with a pair of sub-3.00 ERA campaigns over the 2 previous seasons. Whereas Cortes maintained sturdy strikeout and stroll charges, he grew to become much more fly-ball heavy, inducing grounders at a minuscule 26% clip. He noticed his HR/9 mark spike from 0.91 the yr previous to 1.56 in 2023. Cortes didn’t see a disproportionate variety of his fly-balls go away the yard (simply 11%), however the sheer quantity of balls within the air labored in opposition to him each at house (1.45 HR/9) and on the highway (1.73 HR/9).

The Yankees picked up Marcus Stroman on a two-year, $37MM contract this offseason to assist solidify the rotation, however he’s coming off an injury-marred season of his personal. Stroman was within the NL Cy Younger dialog with a powerful first few months of the ’23 season earlier than being rocked in July and positioned on the injured record because of a hip damage. Whereas rehabbing, he was recognized with fractures in his rib cartilage that additional slowed his return to the mound. He made it again for 4 appearances late within the season however didn’t pitch significantly nicely. After carrying a 2.88 ERA via his first 20 begins, Stroman pitched simply 18 extra innings on the season and was lit up for 26 runs (22 earned) in that point.

Proper-hander Clarke Schmidt completed second on the group with 32 begins and 159 innings pitched, although he turned in back-of-the-rotation outcomes due largely to his personal susceptibility to house runs. Schmidt appears to be like like he can not less than be an innings eater this season, however he’s but to have the identical kind of MLB success that any of his rotationmates has loved up to now. There’s certainly hope throughout the group that the previous high prospect can take a step ahead, however his skill to take action (or lack thereof) shall be much more pivotal if it’s decided that Cole has any kind of notable damage.

The depth choices behind that high quintet are shakier nonetheless. Veteran Luke Weaver inked a one-year, $2MM deal late within the offseason and appears ticketed for a swingman function, however he might begin video games if Cole requires any sort of absence. Weaver pitched nicely in three begins for the Yanks late final season however had a collective 6.40 ERA between Cincinnati, Seattle and New York — his third time up to now 4 seasons recording an ERA north of 6.00.

Down on the farm, the Yankees have righties Luis Gil, Clayton Beeter and Yoendrys Gomez on the 40-man roster. Gil has essentially the most large league expertise, and spectacular as he was via six begins in 2021, he’s pitched simply 29 2/3 complete innings over the previous two years owing to Tommy John surgical procedure. Gomez pitched two MLB innings final yr. Beeter has not reached the majors. Prospect Will Warren had a pleasant yr between Double-A and Triple-A in 2023 however isn’t but on the 40-man roster. He’s in camp as a non-roster invitee, nonetheless. Fellow prospect Chase Hampton and southpaw Tanner Tully have been additionally NRIs this spring, however each have already been reassigned to minor league camp.

The mere chance of an damage to Cole will rekindle hypothesis concerning free brokers Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, each of whom have been tied to the Yankees at varied factors within the offseason. The Yankees reportedly made a five-year provide to Snell earlier than pivoting to signal Stroman. The 2 sides have remained in contact with Snell, particularly, however a match has seemed like an extended shot given the large tax implications that include signing both lefty. The Yankees are a third-time luxurious offender and are already within the highest tier of luxury-tax penalization. Meaning along with any precise wage for the upcoming season, they’ll pay a 110% tax on any extra contract’s common annual worth. A $25MM AAV would include a $27.5MM tax hit. A $30MM would carry a $33MM hit — and so forth.

Beforehand, with a totally wholesome rotation, such a lavish expenditure appeared unlikely. If the Yankees are going through a chronic absence for Cole, nonetheless, that kind of huge monetary dedication might change into way more believable. Snell has reportedly been amenable to short-term, opt-out laden contracts with excessive annual salaries, whereas it appears Montgomery has been extra centered on a longer-term contract. At this level of spring, nonetheless, it’s additionally value questioning simply how prepared both free agent can be for Opening Day. A return to the commerce market shouldn’t be discounted as a chance, although the asking value on arms like Dylan Cease, Jesus Luzardo and others has been staggeringly excessive all through the offseason (hance the dearth of commerce for both hurler).