Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole’s Opening Day Status Could Be in Jeopardy

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to undergo an MRI on his throwing elbow.

The New York Yankees were hit with some worrying injury news Monday, as ace Gerrit Cole is set to undergo an MRI on his throwing elbow after experiencing some discomfort during spring training.

With just over two weeks until the Yankees open their season on the road against the Houston Astros on March 28, Cole’s status for Opening Day could potentially be at risk.

Manager Aaron Boone told reporters Monday that Cole has not been recovering as expected in between starts throughout the spring, prompting the team to send him for an MRI.

“His recovery, before getting to his next start, has been more akin to what he feels during the season, when he’s making 100 pitches. When he’s at 45 [pitches] and building to 55, he usually doesn’t have the recovery issues he’s having,” Boone said.

Boone said the team may seek multiple opinions on Cole’s elbow, and results may not be available for a few days. 

Yankees manager Aaron Boone removes right-hander Gerrit Cole from the team’s exhibition game against the Blue Jays on March 1 in Tampa :: Nathan Ray Seebeck/USA TODAY Sports

Andy Martino of SNY reports that word around the team is the MRI for Cole is a precautionary move, and there “isn’t extreme concern” in regard to the situation, with the team reportedly not expecting to lose its ace for a long time.

Cole, 33, has been New York’s Opening Day starter every season since his arrival in 2020. In ‘23, the six-time All-Star won the American League Cy Young after recording a 2.63 ERA with 222 strikeouts across 209 innings.