Yankees' Gerrit Cole Recommended for Tommy John Surgery, Awaiting Second Opinion

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has been recommended for Tommy John surgery due to concerns over his right elbow, with the team currently awaiting a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis. Cole, who previously dealt with nerve inflammation in his elbow last season, has struggled with arm issues during spring training, raising alarms among fans and the organization. The potential surgery could sideline him for the entire 2025 season, a significant blow for the Yankees, who have also experienced other injuries within their roster. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman now faces the challenge of constructing a competitive starting rotation without their star pitcher. Cole's situation adds to the growing list of setbacks for the team, which also includes the absence of designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton. This injury crisis comes just as Cole had hoped to build on his previous season's success, which included winning the AL Cy Young Award and leading the team to the World Series.