Part 5/7:
For someone who had been a reliable workhorse since 2017, averaging over 183 innings a season, the reality of elbow issues serves as a harsh reminder that no pitcher is safe from injury. Cole had been an indispensable asset to the Yankees, with five out of seven seasons yielding at least 200 innings pitched. However, the uncertainty surrounding his current condition presents a more precarious situation than the previous year.
The Fallout of Injuries: A Team in Crisis
To compound matters for the Yankees, news broke that Giancarlo Stanton might also require elbow surgery. If confirmed, this would spell disaster not only for Stanton’s season but for the Yankees' offense as a whole. With key players sidelined or ailing, the impact on team morale and performance could be immense.