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Top Yankees Prospect Shares Frustration At Gerrit Cole's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Mar 8, 2025 12:21 PM ET

For the second straight spring, the Yankees find themselves nervously awaiting test results on ace Gerrit Cole’s pitching elbow following discomfort during a start.

Last year, Cole had nerve inflammation in his right elbow but was told he did not need Tommy John surgery by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. Cole made his season debut in June after months of rehab and build-up.

Despite starting his throwing program early and coming into camp in solid physical condition, Cole exited his start on Thursday after just 2.2 innings, giving up six runs on five hits against the Twins. Cole told the press that he experienced elbow discomfort similar to last spring during the start.

“I’ve still got some hope,” Cole said. “I’m still just waiting for the experts to weigh in.”

Should Cole miss time, he would join a litany of other Yankees on the injured list, including Giancarlo Stanton, Luis Gil, D.J. LeMahieu, Tyler Matzek and Clayton Beeter.

One of the potential beneficiaries of a lengthy injury to Cole would be 25-year-old top prospect Will Warren.

Warren pitched to a 10.32 ERA in six appearances (five starts) in 2024, but has pitched to a 1.13 ERA in the spring, including a one-hit, five-strikeout outing against the Phillies on Tuesday.

“The situation sucks, [losing] the Rookie of the Year and then Gerrit, who’s done it well for so long,” Warren said. “It’s an unfortunate spot, but definitely there’s an opportunity there. That’s what I’ve been working for, just staying ready for when that opportunity presents itself.”

Warren would be in line to be the Yankees’ No. 5 starter, behind Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Clarke Schmidt and Marcus Stroman.

The Yankees could also flex their muscle and pull off a trade for a starter like Sandy Alcantara, Dylan Cease or Jordan Montgomery if Cole does indeed go down.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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