Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery.
The New York Yankees ace and 2023 AL Cy Young winner will have the procedure on Tuesday, the Yankees announced Monday. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will perform the surgery.
Cole is having the procedure after experiencing elbow discomfort during a spring training outing on Thursday. He underwent an MRI on Friday that ultimately revealed the need for Tommy John surgery.
The news is a devastating blow to the Yankees and Cole, who’s approaching what would be his 13th MLB season at 34 years old. Pitchers who undergo the procedure to reconstruct the ulnar collateral ligament generally face a 12-to-18-month timetable to return. The procedure rules Cole out for the entire 2025 season and places his long-term future as an MLB ace in doubt.
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Cole addressed the news with a statement on Instagram.
“From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York,” Cole wrote. “That dream hasn’t changed—I still believe in it, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve it.
“Today, the most respected medical experts in the field recommend that I undergo Tommy John surgery. This isn’t the news any athlete wants to hear, but it’s the necessary next step for my career.
“I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound—stronger than ever
“See you soon
The news is the second and most significant blow to a Yankees rotation that entered spring training with what seemed like an excess of starting options. The Yankees announced last week that second-year pitcher and reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil will be sidelined for at least three months due to a high-grade lat strain. Now the Yankees will also be without the starter at the top of their rotation in Cole.
That means that Marcus Stroman, who appeared to be on the outside looking in at a five-man rotation, will almost certainly reclaim a spot as a starter, with the Yankees still in search of a fifth. Carlos Rodón, Max Fried and Clarke Schmidt will fill out the rest of their rotation.
The Yankees are also dealing with injuries in their lineup. Designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has tendinitis in both elbows and isn’t taking swings in spring training. He underwent platelet-rich plasma treatment in both elbows for a second time last week. He doesn’t have a timeline to return.
Infielder DJ LeMahieu has a left calf strain and has also been sidelined from baseball activities. He said March 6 that it will be at least a “couple of weeks” before he returns to baseball activities.
The Yankees open their season at home on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
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