Cole is less than a year removed from surgery, so Opening Day was never a factor for him. The idea that he could appear in spring action is encouraging and could put him on track to only miss the first month of the season. The 60-day IL remains an option, but if there’s even a remote chance that Cole is back in a few months, New York will likely avoid that route.
After winning the AL Cy Young in 2023, Cole missed the first half of 2024 with elbow inflammation. He returned for 17 starts to finish the season. Last year, concerns about the elbow surfaced again, and Cole ultimately went under the knife. The veteran has three seasons left on the nine-year, $324 million deal he signed with the Yankees in 2019.
Carlos Rodon was spotted playing with Cole during today’s spring session. Shortly after the end of the 2025 campaign, the left-hander’s elbow had its loose bodies removed. It is expected that Rodon could return before the end of April. Boone told reporters that the left “probably not far behind the start of the season.”
Rodon recently said he was back to throwing eight weeks after his surgery, adding that his mobility has improved a lot after the procedure. The 33-year-old made a career-high 33 starts last season. He earned an All-Star bid and finished sixth in the AL Cy Young voting, although a tough postseason put a sour end to his year. Rodon was toppled for nine earned points in his two playoff outings.
Thursday’s only negative revelation was the right-hander Cam Schlittler managed what was initially described as mid-back inflammation. The young right wing took to social media to make it clear that it is a left-wing issue. “It’s still early, so I want to make sure I’m on top of it”, Schlittler told reporters, among others Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.
Schlittler took a call-up in July and took advantage of the opportunity, posting a sub-3.00 ERA through his first 14 big league starts. He received national attention in the postseason. Schlittler delivered eight scoreless innings in a win over Boston in the ALDS. He came through with a quality start against Toronto in the ALCS, although New York lost the game (and the series).
On the hitting side, short stop Anthony Volpe He is scheduled to begin his batting progression before the end of February. The infielder is recovering from torn labral surgery. “He’s doing wellBoone told reporters.Strength is all in the weight room and stuff like that. He’s got all that back. That’s what took a while. His range of motion is enormous.”
Volpe had surgery in early October. Initial reports were that he would not be able to strike for four months. The club has said Volpe will open the season on the IL. Jose Caballero He is expected to handle shortstop until Volpe is ready to return.
Photo courtesy of Kim Klement Neitzel and Brad Penner, Imagn Images
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