It seems the injury bug has hit the New York Yankees, as spring training comes to a close. With news last week of their ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for 3 to 4 weeks. What will the Yankees rotation look like when they open the season March 28 vs the Houston Astros?

With Cole sidelined for an extended period of time, Nestor Cortes will get the call vs the Astros. Followed by Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Rodon, who was very impressive in his spring training start vs the Phillies on Monday afternoon. Stroman will likely get the start in the Yankees home opener April 5 vs the Blue Jays.

Cole who is the Yankees ace, was diagnosed with nerve inflammation and edema in his right elbow, as he mentioned to reporters. Cole will need a minimum of three to four weeks to recover. Although he isn’t suffering from a usual torn ACL, he will require multiple weeks of rest so he can recover, to be at full strength for the Yankees.

The entire off-season the Yankees didn’t really acquire additional pitching depth. Which hasn’t breathed any confidence that the Yankees pitching can survive and be dominant in 2024. Will they make any major moves to hold the fort until Cole comes back?

Given the potential of Luis Gil, Will Warren, Clayton Beeter, Cody Poteet, and Luke Weaver to fill the gap, the options are not great at this point.

Jordan Montgomery is still on the market. He is really the only “top tier” starter left at this point in the spring training season. There are a few “second tier” starters still left on the market in Mike Clevinger and Michael Lorenzen who could at least bridge the gap until Cole returns. Clevinger has now said he will accept a one year deal, Lorenzen was last known to be seeking a two year deal and Montgomery is holding out for a longer term contract.

Will Brian Cashman and Hal Steinbrenner break the bank, or will the status quo remain the same. Only time will tell.

-Yusuf

Pictures courtesy by Getty Images, X.com, and Bleacher Report