Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace pitcher, is set to miss the entire 2025 MLB season after being diagnosed with a significant elbow injury. Following a spring training outing against the Minnesota Twins on March 6, where he allowed six runs over 2 2/3 innings, Cole experienced persistent elbow discomfort. Subsequent evaluations confirmed the need for Tommy John surgery, scheduled for March 11 in Los Angeles with renowned surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure.
This development is a severe setback for both Cole and the Yankees. The typical recovery timeline for Tommy John surgery ranges from 12 to 18 months, indicating that Cole’s return to the mound may extend into the 2026 season. The Yankees now face the challenge of adjusting their pitching rotation in Cole’s absence, with Max Fried expected to assume the role of the team’s ace.
In the meantime, the Yankees continue their spring training schedule. Their most recent game was on March 10, where they secured a 10-2 victory against the Detroit Tigers. Looking ahead, the Yankees are set to play the Baltimore Orioles and the Pittsburgh Pirates in split-squad games on March 11, with matchups scheduled for 1:05 p.m. EST.