Yankees Rumors: Gerrit Cole 'Unlikely' to Come off IL When Eligible amid Elbow Injury

Amid an elbow injury that has forced him to miss the start of the season, New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole is "unlikely" to come off the injured list when he is eligible on May 27, per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.

"He's been throwing off flat ground and the expectation is that he will get it off a mound sometime next week," Rosenthal said. "Keep in mind, he cannot come off the injured list until May 27, and it's probably unlikely he'll be ready at that time."

Rosenthal explained that pitchers typically go through a six-week buildup in spring training, and Cole's return date wouldn't give him adequate time to go through that process before he is eligible for return on May 27.

Last season, Cole notched a 2.63 ERA with 222 strikeouts and a league-best 0.98 WHIP on his way to a Cy Young Award. He was a bright spot in an otherwise forgetful Yankees season as he notched a 15-4 record.

But New York has fared well without Cole to start the season, sitting at 19-10 on the year at the top of the AL East. Carlos Rodon has led the Bombers' pitching staff with a team-best 2.48 ERA while the offense has held its own at the plate.

Getting Cole back on the mound this season will be a priority for the Yankees, but they're in a comfortable position now and likely don't feel the need to rush his return.