USA Today via Reuters
Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws during a bullpen session during spring training practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 15, 2024; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws during a bullpen session during spring training practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-USA TODAY Sports
Pitching injuries have run rampant in MLB this season. Top stars from teams across the League have succumbed, with New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole one of them. The initial diagnosis signaled a mid-season return. But as more pitchers suffer long-term injuries, questions arise about Gerrit Cole as well.
Despite the Yankees missing their ace, it hasn’t impacted their results with a 10-3 record showing this team’s form. This is a massive positive thing for the Bronx Bombers as Cole’s return would only enhance results, but with the current injury landscape, doubts arise about the Yankees ace’s recovery.
Will Gerrit Cole need season-ending surgery?
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2024’s MLB campaign has seen several pitchers undergoing season-ending surgery. Shohei Ohtani underwent a procedure to repair his UCL, Shane Bieber joined the club a few days ago, undergoing Tommy John surgery. Most recently, Spencer Strider underwent a brace procedure to repair his UCL as well, a season-ending procedure. This begs the question, will Gerrit Cole have to miss the season and go under the knife in surgery too?
RHP Spencer Strider yesterday underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow with internal brace, performed by Dr. Keith Meister in Arlington, TX. He will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) April 13, 2024
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The narrative surrounding Cole has been that he would return mid-season and help the Bombers challenge for playoff contention. But with names like Bieber and Strider undergoing surgery, doubts surrounding whether the Yankees ace will emerge unscathed.
Marcus Stroman and Carlos Rodon have starred for the Yankees thus far. Nestor Cortes Jr. has also put in a superb 8-inning performance recently, earning praise from Juan Soto. But Cole is the undoubted ace and brings an air of supremacy and dominance following a stellar Cy Young-winning 2023 season. His previous track record with injuries will help ease worries to a certain extent.
Cole has not suffered major arm injuries
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Although Gerrit Cole has suffered his share of injuries over the years, the New York Yankees ace has largely avoided arm injuries. This season’s ailment may be one of the first major arm injuries the 2023 Cy Young winner has suffered. It offers some assurance to Bombers fans praying for his return later this season.
It will be interesting to see how he recovers and what kind of return date the Bombers expect in the near future. Do you think Gerrit Cole will require a season-ending procedure, or will the New York Yankees ace come through without surgery? Kindly share your thoughts in the comments below.
