TAMPA, Fla — New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole went to Los Angeles on Wednesday to see specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache for further tests on his right elbow.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone does not have a specific timeline for how long Cole will be out of action.
“I know it’s about Gerrit Cole and it’s a major news, but I’m not going to make assumptions or speculate,” Boone said after Wednesday’s 9-4 loss to Boston. “We're still gathering information, and then everyone needs to weigh in to figure out the exact situation.”
ElAttrache is the head team doctor for the Los Angeles Dodgers and specializes in elbow injuries.
Cole, the current AL Cy Young Award winner, has made at least 30 starts in each of the last six full regular seasons. He had an MRI on Monday and X-rays and a CT scan on Tuesday.
The 33-year-old Cole had been throwing fewer pitches than other starting rotation members in spring training.
“I’ve been involved in this game my whole life,” Boone said. “So, you try not to get too ahead of yourself, especially when you don’t have all the facts. Obviously, you need to be ready to react and make adjustments. But I also try not to get ahead of myself until we have all the information.”
Boone stated that Carlos Rodón, who allowed one run over four innings against the Red Sox, is still set to start the second game of the season in Houston. Discussions are ongoing on who will replace Cole in the March 28 opener, with Marcus Stroman being a top contender.
Cole is entering the fifth season of a $324 million, nine-year contract that pays $36 million annually. He has the right to opt out after the season and become a free agent, but if he does, the Yankees can cancel the opt-out by guaranteeing a $36 million salary for 2029.
Center fielder Aaron Judge, who had an MRI on his abdomen on Monday, is expected to play again on Saturday.
Judge began feeling discomfort in his abdomen during his follow-through swing over a week ago and has not been taking on-field batting practice in the last few days. He last played Sunday, striking out in both at-bats, and said he plans to resume swinging a bat this week.
He received treatment and did indoor work on Wednesday.
“Just trying to make sure this doesn’t turn into something,” Boone said. “That’s the biggest thing, right? Now with the calendar being what it is, and taking advantage of that.”
Judge missed 42 games last season due to a torn ligament in his right big toe, an injury he sustained when he ran into Dodger Stadium’s right-field fence on June 3. He began his offseason hitting program in November.
RODÓN’S OUTING
The only hit given up by Rodón over four innings against Boston was a home run. After retiring his first 10 batters, Rodón allowed a 421-foot home run by Triston Casas. He struck out three in a 68-pitch outing, showcasing improved fastball velocity up to 97 mph.
“Today I had the opportunity to gain some confidence, Rodón mentioned.
Rodón had given up three home runs in his last two spring-training starts, covering 5 2/3 innings. He is set to pitch the Yankees’ second regular season game on Mar. 29 in Houston.
