The New York Yankees’ worst fears may be coming true. Right-hander Gerrit Cole, who struggled in a recent spring training outing against the Minnesota Twins—allowing six runs in just 2 2/3 innings—underwent imaging on his right elbow, sparking concerns about a potentially serious injury. By Sunday, reports surfaced that Cole could require Tommy John surgery, and he is set to seek a second opinion on Monday.
To make matters worse, young right-hander Luis Gil is also sidelined, leaving the Yankees scrambling for solutions. With their pitching depth being tested before Opening Day, the team may have to consider all available options, including veteran free agents like Kyle Gibson and ex-Yankee Lance Lynn, who could be primed for a comeback.
The Yankees are far from the only team facing pitching issues, which could accelerate the signings of Gibson and Lynn.
Yankees Pitching Injuries Mounting: Could Lynn or Gibson Be the Solution?
According to Jimmy Hascup of NJ.com, multiple teams across the league may soon be desperate enough to sign veteran starters due to a growing list of injuries. Cole and Gil are dealing with injuries for the Yankees, while other teams such as the Seattle Mariners (George Kirby), Baltimore Orioles (Grayson Rodriguez), Boston Red Sox (Brayan Bello), and the New York Mets (Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas) are also facing pitching concerns. None of these pitchers are expected to be ready for Opening Day, and if Cole’s second opinion confirms the need for Tommy John surgery, he could be out for the entire season.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic further reported Sunday that teams across the legaue are beginning to reach out to veteran starters, though clubs are asking pitchers to sign 45-day advance consent forms—contracts that allow a team to cut a player at any point for non-injury reasons.
Gibson, who went 8-8 with a 4.24 ERA last season with the St. Louis Cardinals, has been a consistent workhorse in the rotation. The former All-Star has logged at least 165 innings in each of the last four seasons and made 30 starts each year during that span.
Lynn, who pitched for the Yankees in 2018, is coming off a season with the Cardinals. He posted a 3.84 ERA over 117 1/3 innings while striking out 109 batters. However, his Statcast metrics rasise concerns—his fastball velocity dipped to a career-low 92 mph, and his hard-hit rate against remains alarming (114.6 mph exit velocity allowed).
Despite these red flags, both Gibson and Lynn have reputations as durable innings-eaters, something the Yankees desperately need as their rotation crumbles.
Main Photo: © Dave Nelson-Imagn Images
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