Yankees GM Brian Cashman "Prepared for the Worst" with Gerrit Cole's Elbow Issue

The New York Yankees are holding their breath over the health of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole, and it seems General Manager Brian Cashman is doing the same, albeit with a grim outlook. "[I’m] prepared for the worst," Cashman admitted on Sunday when discussing Cole's elbow discomfort following a rough spring training outing against the Minnesota Twins.

Cole, who reported pain in his throwing elbow, has already undergone diagnostic testing and imaging. For now, he's seeking second opinions – a move that rarely screams good news. Manager Aaron Boone hinted at a possible update as early as Monday, but the air around Yankee Stadium is heavy with concern.

Cashman, in his signature pragmatic style, acknowledged the situation: "I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best. Obviously not what you want, but it’s ultimately part of our journey here in 2025." Part of the journey? Sure, but no one signed up for a detour through Tommy John territory.

If the worst-case scenario becomes a reality and Cole’s injury involves his UCL, the Yankees could lose their top arm for the season – a devastating blow to their World Series aspirations. Cole’s history doesn’t help calm the nerves, either. He dealt with an elbow injury in 2024, though he managed to bounce back for the regular season. Cashman believes that prior experience might help Cole mentally prepare for whatever lies ahead. "He’s already had a lot of conversations and engagement with doctors. He’s been through this before," Cashman said.

The Yankees' injury woes don’t stop with Cole. Giancarlo Stanton is also battling elbow issues, trying to avoid season-ending surgery on what’s described as "severe" tennis elbow in both arms. The slugger believes adjustments to his batting mechanics last season may have sparked the tendinitis. Meanwhile, 2024 AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is shelved until at least June with a high-grade lat strain. It’s like a domino effect of misfortune.

As for contingency plans, Marcus Stroman is expected to step in for Gil, while Will Warren and Carlos "Cookie" Carrasco are potential options should Cole be sidelined. But let’s be real – replacing someone like Cole, the 2024 postseason hero with a 2.17 ERA over five playoff starts, is a tall order. This is the guy who carried the Yankees to the World Series with grit and dominance.

Cashman admitted it would be "difficult" to find external solutions at this stage of the year, which only adds to the pressure on the current roster. The Yankees' 2025 "revenge tour" has hit an early snag, and fans can only hope it’s nothing more than a temporary setback.