BREAKING: MLB insider has troubling Yankees star injury update

The New York Yankees are currently among the top-performing teams in Major League Baseball, despite facing challenges due to the absence of key players such as their star pitcher Gerrit Cole. Cole, who won the Cy Young Award, is expected to be eligible to return from the injured list by the end of May, but recent reports suggest that his comeback might be delayed further.

Cole, who had an outstanding season previously, encountered discomfort in his pitching elbow during spring training. This prompted the Yankees to immediately halt his training and conduct tests, revealing inflammation and edema in his right elbow.

The Yankees’ pitching rotation statistics show a solid performance overall, with a 3.28 ERA (ranking 4th in MLB), .225 batting average allowed (ranking 8th in MLB), a 1.25 WHIP (ranking 16th in MLB), and 9 quality starts (ranking 16th in MLB). However, the absence of Cole, a key figure in their rotation, has left a significant void at the start of the regular season, raising concerns amidst a trend of starting pitchers sustaining elbow injuries.

Despite ongoing rehabilitation efforts, Cole’s return seems uncertain. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal stated that Cole is not yet close to being ready and it’s unlikely he’ll be back when initially eligible. While Cole has been gradually progressing with flat ground throwing, transitioning to mound work, the earliest return date of May 27th might still be too soon.

The Yankees have managed decently without Cole, but their pitching hasn’t been as dominant lately. From April 21-29, their rotation ranked 14th in ERA (3.53) and 22nd in walk rate (9 percent).

With Cole’s hefty contract and his age of 33, the Yankees are keen to ensure his recovery is managed cautiously to avoid further injury. Given the stakes and the risks associated with elbow issues, it’s conceivable that Cole might not make a return to Yankee Stadium until well into June.