Yankees' Gerrit Cole Starts Season on 15-Day IL
Gerrit Cole is placed on the 15-day injured list by the Yankees. He had Tommy John surgery last year and made two spring training starts.
SAN FRANCISCO -- The New York Yankees have placed ace Gerrit Cole on the 15-day injured list ahead of their season opener against the San Francisco Giants, opting against a longer stint on the 60-day IL.
The 35-year-old right-hander 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 in spring training games, one on March 18 and another on Tuesday.
In addition to Cole’s situation, the Yankees made several roster moves following Tuesday's exhibition finale to comply with the 26-player active roster limit. Left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodon, who is recovering from elbow surgery last October, has also been placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to March 22. Meanwhile, shortstop Anthony Volpe is on the 10-day IL, also retroactive to March 22, as he recovers from left shoulder surgery.
Right-hander Luis Gil has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, as the Yankees are starting the season with a four-man rotation due to scheduled off days, meaning Gil is not immediately needed in the major leagues.
Furthermore, the Yankees selected the contract of outfielder Randal Grichuk from the RailRiders. Grichuk has signed a one-year contract worth $2.5 million in the major leagues and $210,000 in the minors, with potential performance bonuses totaling $1.5 million based on plate appearances.
The 34-year-old Grichuk struggled during spring training, batting just .125 with three hits in 24 at-bats and one RBI. Last season, he recorded a .228 batting average, nine home runs, and 27 RBIs while playing for Arizona and Kansas City.