The New York Yankees, for the first time in recent past, stepped out for opening day without ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. Gerrit Cole’s streak of pitching on opening day was broken yesterday when LHP Nestor Cortes took his place against Houston Astros.
Gerrit Cole was diagnosed with elbow nerve inflammation injury earlier this month after he witnessed a significant delay in recovery between starts. While the reigning AL CY Young pitcher averted a Tommy John surgery, the recovery is expected to take at least 1-2 months. Amid future uncertainty, Cole apparently has a target return date in mind.
Gerrit Cole Aims To Return By June 1 From Elbow Injury!
Hours before opening day, the New York Yankees placed reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole on a 60-day injury list with elbow inflammation injury. Cole felt banged up in spring, and after appropriate tests, a UCL tear was ruled out. That seemingly means the pitcher will avert a Tommy John surgery. However, as far as the return timeline is concerned, the Yanks have been tight-lipped to avoid unnecessary speculation. In skipper Aaron Boone’s words, the team cannot let out unspecific details out of respect for Cole. However, as a positive and encouraging sign, the ace pitcher rejoined the camp to continue his rehab. While the Bronx Bombers do not intend to rush his rehabilitation and recovery process, Cole is optimistic about a return as soon as possible.
If Jon Heyman of the New York Post is to be believed, Gerrit Cole expressed his aim to return to the mound by as early as June 1. So far, the reigning AL CY Young pitcher has been asked to shut down any kind of throwing and baseball activities for the atleast four weeks. He can then ramp up as advised by the medical team. All things said and done, in an ideal world, without any more setbacks in the recovery process, Gerrit Cole should be able to return after 8-12 weeks. Until then, top prospect Luis Gil will fill in his shoes as a fifth starter in the starting rotation. That being said, it’s important for Cole to ensure a timely and proper recovery to guide the New York Yankees to a successful MLB season. The roster is currently half-strength and incomplete without his presence. His addition will add life to the team’s campaign.
Aaron Boone Missed Gerrit Cole On Yankees Opening Day!
For the first time in recent past, the New York Yankees had an opening day starter not named Gerrit Cole. Nestor Cortes stepped up for the job at the last minute after Cole was placed on 60-day IL with elbow nerve inflammation injury. That being said, out of all people, the team manager Aaron Boone missed his ace the most.
“It certainly sucks not having your ace go,” said Boone pre-game. That being said, Nestor Cortes was decent in his start on opening day against the Houston Astros. In five innings pitched, Cortes gave away four runs in five hits while striking out five Astros hitters in the process. Overall, the Yankees registered a thrilling 5-4 win over the Astros.
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