The New York Yankees are facing a double dose of injury anxiety as the 2024 season rapidly approaches. Star slugger Aaron Judge is grappling with an abdominal issue of his own but remains focused on supporting ace Gerrit Cole, who is set to undergo an MRI on his pitching elbow. The usually durable Cole has been experiencing atypical soreness that is raising red flags within the organization.

Judge, known for his leadership and optimism, offered a cautiously positive update on Cole’s situation today. “I don’t know what’s come back yet with the MRI,” the All-Rise said, according to Yankees Beat reporter Gary Phillips.

“But to see him the other night, where he’s still throwing 95-97 mph—I know he’s not bouncing back the way he is, but that guy’s a perfectionist. So I’m hoping for the best news. Even if it’s him being out a couple of weeks, whatever it is. I’ll take that over anything more, so we’re all praying for the best,” Judge continued.

The Captain’s comments highlight Gerrit Cole’s competitive spirit and the lingering uncertainty surrounding his elbow discomfort. Adding to the Yankees’ woes, Judge himself is managing an abdominal issue that forced him to undergo an MRI recently.

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While the slugger aims to be ready for Opening Day, the situation casts a shadow over his availability early in the season. “There’s no real need to push it,” Judge stated, as insider Bryan Hoch reports. Judge’s measured approach underscores a team-first mentality as the Yankees navigate these early setbacks. On the other hand, concern over Cole’s elbow has been permeating throughout the Bombers’ clubhouse.

Worries echo throughout the clubhouse about Gerrit Cole’s injury

“It’s definitely concerning, especially when it involves someone like Gerrit Cole,” admits manager Aaron Boone in a Pinstripes Nation report. Veteran infielder DJ LeMahieu echoes the sentiment, though with a touch of optimism, emphasizing that “he was unaware of any specific issues affecting Judge and stressed the crucial importance of both players (Judge and Cole) being healthy for the team to achieve success.”

Pitcher Nestor Cortes amplified the seriousness with a stark comparison: “He’s the reigning Cy Young Award winner. He’s a big part of this rotation. It’s tough to hear the news.” Closer Clay Holmes attempted to temper the worry while acknowledging the reality of the situation: “You never want to go get an MRI, but there’s been a lot of MRIs that don’t come back with the worst case.”

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The team’s collective anxiety was perhaps best summed up by catcher Austin Wells. “He’s our ace, so [any elbow injury] would suck for sure,” Wells stated bluntly to the reporters at NorthJersey.com.

Until news of Gerrit Cole’s MRI results emerge, the New York Yankees clubhouse remains on edge, their focus split between supporting their ace and their captain, while preparing for a season that suddenly feels a bit more precarious.