New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole underwent testing on his throwing elbow this week, and it seems the star right-hander has avoided the worst possible outcome.
Cole is expected to be able to avoid undergoing Tommy John surgery, though the reigning AL Cy Young is still anticipated to need one-to-two months on the shelf, according to Jon Heyman of the NY Post.
Cole had been experiencing difficulty in his recovery between starts during spring training, prompting the team to send him for an MRI on his right elbow. After visiting with Dr. Neal ElAttrache this week, it was determined that Tommy John surgery would not be required.
Instead, the 33-year-old will need to rest up, undergo rehab and also do some non-surgical treatments for his elbow. Cole could be back with the team by May or June, according to the timeline in the report.
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Of course, Cole avoiding Tommy John surgery is great news for New York, despite the fact that they’ll have to start the season without their ace. Getting him back midseason will be a big boost, too, and the possibility remains for the team to make a pitching acquisition amid his impending absence.
With Cole unavailable, the Yankees have yet to determine who will be the team’s Opening Day starter when their season gets underway against the Houston Astros on March 28.
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