Deadspin | Report: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) undergoing tests

Field Level Media|published: Fri 7th March, 23:27 2025

MLB: Spring Training-Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees

Feb 28, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays during the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Dave Nelson-Imagn Images

New York Yankees ace right-hander Gerrit Cole is undergoing diagnostic tests on his throwing elbow, MLB Network reported on Friday.Deadspin | Report: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) undergoing tests

The six-time All-Star missed the first few months of the season with elbow soreness, then finished 8-5 in 17 starts with 3.41 ERA, 1.126 WHIP and 99 strikeouts over 95 innings. He made five postseason starts, going 1-0 with 2.17 ERA over 12 2/3 innings.Deadspin | Report: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) undergoing tests

Cole struggled in his spring training outing on Thursday against the Minnesota Twins, surrendering six runs in 2 2/3 innings.Deadspin | Report: Yankees ace Gerrit Cole (elbow) undergoing tests

The extent of Cole's injury is unclear.

Losing Cole would be a crucial blow for the Yankees, who have World Series aspirations. Fellow starter Luis Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, is expected to miss at least three months with a lat strain.

Potential trade candidate Marcus Stroman suddenly appears to be an important piece of the roster. He would easily slide back into the rotation, alongside Max Fried, Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt.

Stroman was left off the Yankees' AL Division Series roster, and Fried's signing added more uncertainty to his role. Nevertheless, the veteran right-hander was a solid performer last season. In 30 games, he recorded a 4.31 ERA, 113 strikeouts and 0.7 WAR.

--Field Level Media