Gerrit Cole Consults Dr. ElAttrache: Meet the Decorated Surgeon to Sports Royalty Like Ohtani, Kobe, Brady

The New York Yankees fans are holding their breath as Gerrit Cole seeks relief for his ailing elbow. The team’s ace pitcher, as per the latest updates, is not going to be available on Opening Day. While his speedy recovery is utterly necessary, consulting the best of the best is further important. And that’s why, Cole traveled to Los Angeles on Wednesday. 

Heard of Dr. Neal ElAttrache? A world-renowned surgeon who has treated royalty across various sports. Some names that come to mind are Tom Brady, Shohei Ohtani, and the late Kobe Bryant. He is a household name among leagues for major injuries. Does this mean the fans should be worried?  

Gerrit Cole Meets Dr. ElAttrache – Is This a Matter of Concern?

This development throws a wrench into the Yankees’ season plans. On one hand, earlier reports indicated that Cole’s issue could be addressed with rest. On the other, a visit to Dr. ElAttrache – renowned for his expertise in elbow ligament repair, raises the chance of a more serious injury, perhaps. 

“We’re still in the gathering-of-information [phase] and then everyone’s got to weigh in to determine what exactly we have,” Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged the increased concern. It was clear based on his words that there still is an ambiguity surrounding Cole’s injury. While there is no solid information on the intensity of the issue yet, it makes one wonder if it is a UCL tear. 

Well, an MRI and other tests haven’t indicated a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL). But the ligament’s condition is bad enough to call for a visit with Dr. ElAttrache. There’s a threat of the Cy Young award winner getting sidelined for a substantial period of time. Him flying to LA to get his elbow checked is a significant development, as a torn UCL ideally requires a Tommy John surgery. And the recovery period for that ranges anywhere between half a season to a complete year. 

Read More : Gerrit Cole’s Scary MRI Leaves Yankees Weighing Stroman, Rodon or Surprise Arm for Opening Day

The Impact of Cole’s Absence In The Bronx Amid Uncertainty

The Yanks, who are already facing troubles behind Cole in the rotation, are inevitably worried. Carlos Rodon, an important piece of the pitching staff, shared his hope for some positive news but he too is well aware of the uncertain nature of Cole’s injury. This situation has thrown the Yankees’ championship aspirations into a flux. 

Read More : “Praying for the Best”: Aaron Judge Delivers Reassuring Update on ‘Perfectionist’ Ace Gerrit Cole’s Scary Situation

The 33-year-old has been a consistent rock for the team with a clean history regarding injuries. He had logged the most innings pitched in baseball since 2020. One can’t help but dread the gaping hole his absence would leave in the rotation. The Yanks might be forced to rely on unproven options like Clarke Schmidt and rookies such as Cody Morris and Clayton Beeter. Having said that, fans have their fingers crossed.