After Gerrit Cole consulted with Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday, sources suggest that there is optimism surrounding the possibility of the reigning Cy Young award winner being able to avoid undergoing Tommy John surgery.

The medical team is taking a cautious approach to Gerrit Cole’s right elbow injury. For now, the plan is to focus on rest, rehabilitation, and non-surgical treatments. While he is expected to be sidelined for one to two months, there is a possibility that his absence could extend beyond that timeframe.

This decision comes after Gerrit Cole visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles for further evaluation, as his elbow was not improving as expected. The positive news is that both Dr. ElAttrache and the Yankees’ medical staff concur that there is no tear in Gerrit Coles UCL, which is a crucial ligament in the elbow.

Although the 33-year-old ace needs to rest and recover, the Yankees remain confident that they will have their Cy Young Award-winning pitcher back for the season. After all, Gerrit Cole is a critical component in their pursuit of a championship.

The Yankees were shrouded in worry following Gerrit Cole’s MRI results after he completed a 37-pitch live batting practice session on March 7th. Additional CT scans and X-rays failed to alleviate concerns, prompting the team to seek the opinion of a renowned expert. Consequently, Gerrit Cole visited Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a name that often raises apprehension within the baseball community.

However, Thursday brought a wave of relief for the Yankees, as Gerrit Cole’s visit did not turn out to be the dreaded precursor to a season-ending surgery that many had feared.

Yankees pin hopes on Gerrit Cole’s return this season

Manager Aaron Boone has repeatedly stressed the significance of the situation in recent days. “It’s Gerrit Cole,” the Yankees skipper reiterated, emphasizing the importance of the matter without providing additional details.

As spring training approaches its conclusion, the Yankees remain hopeful that Gerrit Cole will continue to serve as the team’s ace in the upcoming season.

Gerrit Cole is a vital pillar of the Yankees’ pitching staff. Known for his consistency and strong work ethic, he has logged at least 30 starts in each of the past six full seasons. In a league where injuries are prevalent, the ace’s durability is an invaluable asset. Since joining the Yankees in 2020, he has thrown more innings than any other pitcher in the league.

The rest of the Yankees’ rotation presents a mix of potential and uncertainties. Marcus Stroman struggled with injuries during his time with the Cubs last year, while Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes have faced challenges with consistency and health since donning the pinstripes. Meanwhile, Clarke Schmidt, coming off a solid but not spectacular rookie season, is working to establish himself as a reliable member of the rotation.

Although the Yankees have strengthened their lineup with the addition of slugger Juan Soto, they find themselves in a precarious position. While Soto undoubtedly enhances their offensive capabilities, his impending free agency at the end of the season presents a potential major void that the team may need to address.

In this context, Gerrit Cole’s dominant pitching becomes even more critical to the Yankees’ aspirations of winning the World Series. However, with uncertainty surrounding their Opening Day starter and the possibility of relying on a makeshift rotation in the early months of the season, the team is in dire need of Cole’s healthy return.

The positive news is that following a crucial medical evaluation, there is optimism that Gerrit Cole will make a significant comeback during the 2024 season. This development keeps the Yankees’ championship dreams alive, as his healthy arm is a vital piece of the puzzle in their pursuit of the title.

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