Yankees' Playoff Prospects Hit by Cole's Injury

As the MLB season kicks off, the New York Yankees are hit hard, losing Gerrit Cole for the season to Tommy John surgery, which leaves their rotation thin and impacts their playoff prospects. The Yankees' challenges are compounded by competition from teams like the Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays, with FanGraphs projecting just 86 wins for the Yankees. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres face their own struggles in the NL West despite strong starters, while the New York Mets consider trading for high-end starters to counter injuries in their rotation. The Boston Red Sox, although strong on paper, also face risks due to injuries in their pitching staff. Additionally, a trend of relievers converting to starters is gaining traction, as seen with Seth Lugo of the Kansas City Royals.