With Gerrit Cole’s elbow a problem for the second straight spring, the Yankees are holding their collective breath.
On Saturday, Cole expressed concern, but additionally hope, following an preliminary MRI. The righty felt soreness in his elbow following his exhibition begin in opposition to the Twins on Thursday.
Cole, 34, battled elbow irritation round this time final 12 months, and he didn’t debut till June 19.
Whereas Cole and the Yankees hadn’t introduced any choices as of Monday morning, it’s honest to marvel what the staff will do if its ace should miss an prolonged time period once more. The staff is already planning for one extended absence in its rotation, as Luis Gil – Cole’s substitute in 2024 – isn’t anticipated again till the summer time after struggling a lat pressure.
Gil’s damage created a gap for Marcus Stroman, who entered camp because the odd man out of the Yankees’ rotation following an offseason of commerce rumors. Who may take Cole’s spot ought to he find yourself caught on the shelf?
Inside Choices
Spring stats ought to at all times be taken with a grain of salt. That mentioned, Will Warren has positioned himself properly for this potential opening with a dominant begin to his exhibition season.
The 25-year-old, working to revive his curveball whereas constructing on a rocky debut season, recorded a 1.13 ERA, two walks and 11 strikeouts over eight innings previous to his Monday begin in opposition to the Tigers. Warren’s stuff has seemed crisp, and Aaron Boone mentioned that he expects the right-hander to play “an important role” lengthy earlier than Cole’s elbow began barking.
Veteran right-hander Carlos Carrasco, in camp as a non-roster invitee, is an alternative choice. The 15-year, 37-year-old professional has a 2.35 ERA over 7.2 innings this spring.
Allan Winans, one other right-handed NRI, and Brent Headrick, a lefty on the 40-man roster, have additionally been starters within the minors. Winans has a 1.08 ERA over 8.1 innings this spring, and Headrick has struck out 12 batters over 7.2 frames, although he has a 4.70 ERA and may make extra sense for a bullpen job.
JT Brubaker would have been one other depth choice, however he’s recovering from a couple of damaged ribs.
What About A Commerce?
Needless to say the Yankees have but to extend their payroll regardless of having issues that predate any questions surrounding Cole and the rotation. With that acknowledged, there are a couple of notable starters who didn’t get traded over the offseason regardless of persistent rumors.
The Padres’ Dylan Stop and the Mariners’ Luis Castillo instantly come to thoughts, although they wouldn’t come low-cost. The identical goes for the Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara, who has seemed like himself this spring after Tommy John surgical procedure robbed him of his 2024 season.
All of these pitchers are making a fairly penny, they usually’d seemingly require the Yankees to half with notable prospects.
The latter wouldn’t apply to former Yankee Jordan Montgomery, who’s seeking to bounce again from a disastrous debut season with the Diamondbacks. Nevertheless, he’s owed $22.5 million this 12 months.
Are There Any Free Brokers Left?
Sure, there are! However the pickings are slim.
Kyle Gibson headlines the small group of attention-grabbing names, because the 37-year-old made 30 begins for the Cardinals final season and pitched within the AL East with the Orioles the 12 months earlier than that. Gibson has been preserving his arm energetic, as MLB Community’s Jon Morosi reported that he just lately threw 60 pitches in a simulated sport.
Nevertheless, Gibson made $12 million final 12 months. A union with the Yankees would in all probability name for a hefty pay lower.
Different remaining free brokers embody Patrick Corbin and Lance Lynn, one other former Yankee who has reportedly acquired some curiosity as a reliever.
