TAMPA — Gerrit Cole flew from Los Angeles to Tampa on Friday, according to information from the Yankees, and the team didn’t want to talk publicly about the ace until they spoke to Cole in person.
Cole is scheduled to enter the Yankees’ facility on Saturday.
However, after Dr. Neal El-Attrache’s initial diagnosis determined that Cole’s pitching elbow problem would require rest and rehabilitation, and definitively did not require surgery, the Yankees’ clubhouse was something to be thankful for, even if there were still concerns.
“The important thing is whether he can pitch for us this year. That’s great news for us,” Gleyber Torres said.
Torres was informed of the development Thursday night and learned Cole could be sidelined for about two months. There are still many unknowns about the current American League Cy Young Award winner, but no doctor has yet discovered his torn UCL.
“Take whatever time he needs,” Torres said. “Just try to play without the call… and wait for him to recover.”
Clark Schmidt, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2017, understands the feelings of anxiety and the unknown. Mr. Schmidt said he spoke with Mr. Cole and provided all the advice he could.
“I think the elbow thing is a little bit foreign territory for him, but not for us regular people here, mortals,” Schmidt said of Cole. He started at least 30 games over the past six major league seasons and never required elbow surgery. .
Losing Cole, no matter how long, hurts.
“It’s obviously very disappointing news, but there’s nothing he can’t fix,” Schmidt said. “Obviously he’s going to do his best in terms of recovery and things like that. So I’m sure he’ll be back soon.”
Nestor Cortés, Cole’s opening day substitute, said he spoke with Cole a few days ago but not since his visit to El Atlache. Cortez was asked how Cole felt, both physically and mentally.
“It’s just a small setback for him,” Cortez said. “He’s been great. I know he’s going to have a much longer career.”
Schmidt, pitching for the first time this spring after his usual four days of rest, allowed five hits and five runs (Jack Brannigan’s home run) in 3¹₃ innings.
“I think this was probably the best we’ve had so far in camp,” Schmidt said after throwing 58 pitches in a 6-2 loss to the Pirates at Steinbrenner Field.
Right-handed reliever Jonathan Loaisiga said Thursday that he expects to be used as a multi-inning weapon every few days throughout the first half of this season, recalling how the Yankees used Michael King the past few seasons.
That’s still true, but Aaron Boone said the bursts tend to be a little shorter and arrive later in the game.
“We’re going to use the King model with him a little bit,” the manager said. “But I don’t think Lowe pitches three innings like Michael King. You often see him at plus-one through two innings…and more consistently on the back end of the game.”
Boone said of the competition for the No. 5 starting spot among Luke Weaver, Cody Poteet, Cody Morris, Clayton Beater and Will Warren.
“The good thing is we felt like we had good options. So to be honest, we’re kind of continuing to evaluate the players that are on the list. A lot of those players. There are at least a few more games left. So…we will continue to strive to make the best decisions for everyone involved.”
Director of Baseball Development Mario Garza will oversee Saturday’s spring breakout game featuring the club’s top prospects.
Tommy Kahnley added a basketball hoop above the lockers, used tape to create paint and free throw lines, and added a court of sorts.
