Gerrit Cole Injury Update: New York Yankees ace scratched from Tuesday start due to body fatigue

The New York Yankees announced that ace Gerrit Cole has been scratched from Tuesday night's start due to body fatigue. The 33-year-old was slated to start Tuesday's game against the Philadelphia Phillies, but the club will instead hand the ball to Will Warren in his major league debut.

Despite missing his Tuesday start, Gerrit Cole is not expected to undergo any testing. The Yankees think taking the night off will give him extra time to recover before his next start. Given the fact that Cole did not make his season debut until June 19, it is not surprising that he has not been able to recover at the rate he normally would.

"Gerrit Cole doesn't expect to go on the IL, per @ChrisKirschner It's not an arm issue, he just hadn't recovered well since his last start. He could pitch again in a couple days and isn't scheduled for any tests" - @TalkinYanks

"It’s still early for me," Cole said, explaining that his season is still relatively fresh compared to other pitchers who have been throwing all year. "I’m six starts in and I’ve just hit my max capacity of pitches three times in a row," he continued.

Rest days for aging players are not uncommon. That being said, if Cole is still struggling to recover after his next start, it could be a cause for concern as the New York Yankees push for the postseason.

It has been a rough season for Gerrit Cole working his way back from injury

Cole was nearly untouchable last season for the New York Yankees. The veteran pitcher was incredible from start to finish in 2023, helping him secure the first Cy Young Award of his career. However, the same cannot be said for this season, as a serious injury delayed his 2024 debut until the beginning of June.

During Spring Training, Cole felt discomfort in his throwing elbow. While he was able to avoid a more severe injury, Cole was diagnosed with elbow inflammation and edema, and the Yankees placed him on the 60-day IL.

"Gerrit Cole said it's not his elbow. He's just fatigued and had trouble recovering. Hopes to start in a few days and expects to avoid the IL. Not getting tests. #Yankees" - @GaryHPhillips

Since being activated at the beginning of June, Cole hasn't looked like his dominant self. Through 35.0 innings this season, the Yankees ace owns a 3-2 record with a career-high 5.40 ERA. The Yankees hope he can remain healthy throughout the remainder of the season and return to his 2023 form.