Yankees Place Gerrit Cole on 15-Day Injured List Ahead of Season Opener

In a pivotal move just before the season opener against San Francisco, the New York Yankees announced that ace Gerrit Cole has been placed on the 15-day injured list. This decision allows the right-hander to potentially return sooner than if he had been designated for the 60-day IL, which would have sidelined him until May 24.

The 35-year-old pitcher underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11 of last year, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cole has made two appearances during spring training, pitching on March 18 and again earlier this week, but the Yankees have opted for caution as they navigate his recovery.

Alongside Cole’s placement, the Yankees made additional roster moves to comply with the active player limit of 26. Left-hander Carlos Rodón, who is recovering from elbow surgery last October, was also placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to March 22. Meanwhile, shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is rehabbing from left shoulder surgery, has been placed on the 10-day IL, also retroactive to March 22.

In a bid to fine-tune their roster, the Yankees optioned right-hander Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year will not be needed in the majors at the start of the season, as the Yankees plan to utilize a four-man rotation due to upcoming off days.

Additionally, New York has selected the contract of outfielder Randal Grichuk from the RailRiders. Grichuk, who has signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million while in the major leagues and $210,000 in the minors, can earn up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on his plate appearances. The 34-year-old struggled during spring training, hitting just .125 (3 for 24) with one RBI, but he brings experience after batting .228 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs last season for Arizona and Kansas City.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.