Injuries are an unfortunate reality in sports. And the New York Yankees are no strangers to dealing with setbacks throughout the season. Just last year, the team finished outside the postseason after captain Aaron Judge was sidelined with a toe injury. And early signs indicate that this year isn’t going to be any different.
The New York Yankees are set to lose ace pitcher Gerrit Cole for significant time owing to an elbow injury. The reigning AL CY Young pitcher is currently undergoing advanced scans. But remains more or less out of the opening-day race. Amid future uncertainly, Yankee announcer fears for the team’s playoff qualification odds.
Michael Kay Uncertain Of Yankees Wildcard Spot In Case Gerrit Cole Stays Ruled Out
In a major twist in the tale, the New York Yankees were hit with a bombshell setback. Ace pitcher Gerrit Cole pulled up his elbow after spring and is looking at a prolonged absence. According to Jon Heyman, a UCL tear has been ruled out so far. However, issues with ligaments are persistent. The prima facia indicates that the pitcher could at least miss 1-2 months of the 2024 MLB season. In the upcoming week, Gerrit Cole is expected to fly out to LA to meet a specialist surgeon in person. While skipper Aaron Boone refused to comment on a timeline, Cole’s hopes for opening-day participation are more or less squashed. Meanwhile, as Yank’s front office contemplated reinforcement, the YES Network presenter issued a caution.
Michael Kay, the voice of the New York Yankees, fears the team’s postseason qualification chances in the absence of Gerrit Cole. He remarked on ESPN that in case Cole ends up missing the entire season, the team will struggle to make it to the playoff wildcard spot. Kay added that no significant signing can save the Bronx Bombers in case Cole skips the season, as no pitcher in the league is capable of eclipsing Cole’s impact on the mound. “If they lose Cole for the whole season, they [Yanks] struggle no matter what deal they make,” said Michael Kay. While Kay’s fears are understandable and resonated with a majority of the fans, the worst is yet to come for the Bombers. Cole is still clear of a UCL tear. And 1-2 months absence is any day a good sign over Tommy John surgery.
Aaron Boone Refuses To Comment On Gerrit Cole’s Return Timeline Out Of Respect
Meanwhile, skipper Aaron Boone was quizzed about Gerrit Cole’s potential return timeline amid reports suggesting his 1-2 months long absence. Boone said the team is still gathering all the information as multiple opinions are being sought. It could be a little while before everyone weighs their thoughts about the next course of action.
Furthermore, Aaron Boone said he cannot comment on Cole’s return time out of respect for the pitcher. “I’m not going to put a timeline on anything when there’s still information to gather,” said Boone. That being said, the reigning AL CY Young pitcher will fly out to Los Angeles to meet a renowned surgeon in person and determine immediate next steps.
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