Reports: Yanks' Gerrit Cole doesn't need Tommy John surgery

Field Level Media|published: Fri 15th March, 24:21 2024

Mar 1, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a pitch against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. credits: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won't need Tommy John surgery on his sore right arm, multiple media outlets reported Thursday night.

The right-hander went to see orthopedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Thursday in Los Angeles, and the examination reportedly produced a recommendation of non-surgical treatment.

According to USA Today, the timetable for the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner to be back in action with the Yankees is 10 to 12 weeks.

Cole pitched just twice this spring, once in a Grapefruit League game on March 1 and then in a simulated game six days later. He subsequently was shut down and underwent initial tests that led to the visit to Los Angeles.

The UCLA product has been one of the majors' most durable pitchers, making at least 30 starts in every season since 2017 except for the strike-shortened 2020 campaign.

Cole, 33, is coming off a season in which he went 15-4 while leading the AL in ERA (2.63) and innings pitched (209). He struck out 222 and walked 48.

The six-time All-Star is entering his fifth season with New York after previously pitching for the Pittsburgh Pirates (2013-17) and the Houston Astros (2018-19).

In 300 career major league starts, Cole has a 145-75 record with a 3.17 ERA, 2,152 strikeouts and 471 walks in 1,859 innings.

—Field Level Media