The New York Yankees can’t seem to catch a break. Call it bad luck, a curse, or simply misfortune, the struggles are piling up. Not only are they aloof from a championship win since the likes of Derek Jeter and A-Rod, but they were also butchered by the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. And this time, even after forming a well-rounded team, though Juan Soto left, their season is already falling apart. The latest player in tragedy – Gerrit Cole.

The Yankees $324 million ace is dealing with elbow soreness after he had a rough outing against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. He got shelled for six runs on five hits, including two homers. And things look bad for him as Jim Bowden recently reported that Gerrit Cole has been recommended to go for Tommy John surgery, “According to the source, Gerrit Cole has been recommended to have TJ surgery… but they are now waiting for a 2nd opinion to confirm the diagnosis #Yankees.” And while this is serious season-ending stuff for a pitcher, insider Tyler Milliken decided to take a dig at Cole.

“Rafael Devers has homered off Gerrit Cole in each of the last four seasons. It tears me up inside to think that streak is going to end,” said Tyler Milliken. Brutal! While most people are worried about what this means for the New York Yankees season, he is mourning the end of Devers’ dominance over Cole. But let’s be real: this rivalry has been something else. Who can forget last season’s viral moment?

Gerrit Cole straight up walking Devers with no one on base. That’s how much respect or fear Devers commands. And the New York Yankees ace himself never shied away from the fact that Devers did give him fits. When asked about which hitter gave him the most trouble, he answered plain and simple, “Rafael Devers.” But that being said, his injury is bad news.

However, Gerrit Cole’s injuries didn’t start now, but last spring. He was later shut down in March due to nerve irritation and edema. Then he managed to rehab and get back to the roster. And he did extremely well, helping the New York Yankees win the AL pennant with a 2.17 ERA in the playoffs. And the team needed his arm this time. But now with the surgery back on the table, the Yankees might have to go about 2025 without him on the mound. And this is bullocks for the team that is already facing thin roster issues. As for Devers, he might need a new pitcher to feast on!

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole opens up about his injury

Gerrit Cole didn’t sugarcoat his issue—he is worried. After his rough outing, his elbow pain only got worse. Talking about it, Cole said, “As I got home, it continued to get more and more sore. Something wasn’t right… It was tough to sleep. It was alarming the next morning.” And just like that, the New York Yankees worst-case scenario is unfolding. His injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.

The New York Yankees are already missing reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, who is out for at least three months because of a leg strain. Giancarlo Stanton is once again facing fitness issues. And DJ LeMahieu, JT Brubaker, and top pitching prospect Chase Hampton have also been sidelined. For a team like the Yankees with championship ambitions, this is simply a nightmare.

The Yankees front office has tough calls to make because if they lose Cole for the season, it’s a hit they cannot afford. Forget the championship; they might not be able to pace you up against the Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles because this time they all look competitive. However, Aaron Judge is keeping the faith. After his conversation with Cole, he assured fans that, “We’ll be in a good spot. He’s a tough guy. We’ll see what happens.”

But if Cole is out for the long haul, “seeing what happens” might not cut it. The Yankees need answers to their thin rotation fast. Don’t you think? Let us know in the comments.