New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is "concerned" about what MRI results will reveal about his pitching elbow, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Cole said he will know more in the next few days and is "hoping for the best."
The right-hander added that imaging of his elbow has been distributed, and he's already seeking second opinions, although no appointments that require travel have been booked.
"I'm just waiting for the experts to weigh in," the 34-year-old said.
Cole experienced elbow discomfort after allowing six runs, including two homers, over 2 2/3 innings in a Grapefruit League start Thursday against the Minnesota Twins.
"In the game there was a lot of good stuff happening the other day, but as I got home I just continued to get more and more sore," Cole said. "Something wasn't right."
The 2023 AL Cy Young winner also hurt his elbow around this time last year, forcing him to begin 2024 on the injured list. He didn't make his first start of the campaign until June 19.
Cole remained healthy down the stretch last year, posting a 3.41 ERA with 99 strikeouts over 17 regular-season starts for the Yankees. He then put up a 2.17 ERA with 22 strikeouts over five playoff starts during New York's run to the World Series.
A long-term injury to Cole would be devastating to a Yankees rotation that's already poised to open the season without Luis Gil, who suffered a lat strain early in camp. Rookie Will Warren and veteran non-roster invitee Carlos Carrasco would be among the in-house possibilities to join the rotation if another spot opens up.
The Yankees have been hit hard by injuries in the opening weeks of spring training. In addition to Cole and Gil, designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton has been shut down because of injuries to both elbows, while DJ LeMahieu, Tyler Matzek, Clayton Beeter, and Scott Effross have also gotten hurt.
