Feb 16, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) walks on to the field before the start of a spring training workout at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

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Gerrit Cole injury update: Latest update on the Yankees ace set to miss entire 2025 season

Yankees ace set to miss whole of 2025 season

The New York Yankees’ worst fears have been confirmed. Gerrit Cole will undergo Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire 2025 season and potentially part of 2026. The team announced the decision on Monday after Cole consulted Dr. Neal ElAttrache for a second opinion. The procedure is scheduled for Tuesday at the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles, with further updates to follow post-surgery.

Gerrit Cole’s injury timeline

Cole, 34, initially felt discomfort following his second Grapefruit League start, where he allowed six runs in 2⅔ innings against the Minnesota Twins. By Friday morning, the pain had intensified, prompting him to inform the team. Imaging tests later confirmed a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), leading to the decision for surgery.

This marks the second consecutive spring in which Cole dealt with elbow concerns. Last year, he was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema but avoided surgery through rest and rehab, eventually returning on June 19 to help the Yankees reach the World Series. However, this time around, non-surgical options were ruled out.

Gerrit Cole leaves a heartfelt message on his Instagram pic.twitter.com/FyzD5i0siI
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) March 10, 2025

In a statement on Instagram, Cole called the surgery a “necessary next step” for his career, emphasizing his commitment to rehab and his determination to return stronger.

Yankees’ rotation without Gerrit Cole

With Cole and Luis Gil out, the Yankees’ starting rotation now looks like this:

Max Fried
Carlos Rodón
Clarke Schmidt
Marcus Stroman
Will Warren
Carlos Carrasco

Marcus Stroman, initially expected to start the season in the bullpen, is now projected to take a regular rotation spot. Will Warren, a promising rookie, and veteran Carlos Carrasco, in camp on a non-roster invite, round out the Yankees’ internal options. To add more volume to their bullpen, the New York Yankees may need to seek external options. Gerrit Cole is the second big hit to their rotation after Luis Gil.

ALSO READ: External pitching options for Yankees to consider

The Yankees have insurance on Cole’s contract, allowing them to recover a portion of his salary while he remains sidelined.

Gerrit Cole

Injury update

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Mohsin Baldiwala

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Mohsin Baldiwala is a Master’s student in Journalism and freelance content producer who got hooked on baseball through Seinfeld’s hapless George Costanza. The same reason why he’s a Yankees fan. He writes about sports because he believes it can offer a brief escape from the world’s chaos. Even if that means enduring the heartbreak of the 2024 World Series.