Yankees place Cole on 60-day IL

The New York Yankees placed right-hander Gerrit Cole on the 60-day injured list ahead of their season opener.

Cole is expected to miss 10-to-12 weeks with an elbow injury but isn't expected to need Tommy John surgery. The 33-year-old won't be eligible to be activated until May 27.

The move clears up a spot on the 40-man roster for right-handed reliever Nick Burdi.

The Yankees are starting the season with a rotation that includes Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt.

Cole posted a 2.63 ERA and 222 strikeouts over an MLB-high 209 innings last season en route to winning his first career Cy Young.