- MLB. Yankees in trouble after Gerrit Cole exits game with a leg injury
- MLB. Yankees opt for Duke Ellis over Jasson Dominguez as rosters expand
On Monday night, the Yankees were given another reason to worry when Gerrit Cole left the game in the seventh inning with a trainer, sparking concerns about his health. The issue was identified as a minor right calf cramp, which appears to be non-threatening.
Yet, with Cole expected to be fine, the Yankees are now facing a more complex challenge regarding their rotation as they move forward.
Clarke Schmidt, who has been working his way back from injury, made what is likely his final rehab start on Monday night with Double-A Somerset. This outing sets him up for a return to the major league roster, potentially as soon as this weekend when the Yankees play in Chicago.
Boone's rotation
Aaron Boone hinted at the possibility of temporarily using a six-man rotation to fit both Gil and Schmidt back into the mix. However, he acknowledged that this approach would not be sustainable for the remainder of the season, suggesting that a tough decision is imminent.
Boone also mentioned that the Yankees might explore "creative" solutions, though he didn't specify what that might entail. One possibility could be utilizing a tandem starter approach, where two pitchers combine to cover the majority of a game.
"We'll see," Boone said. "We're not at that point yet. Hopefully a decision is not made for us because something comes up or something happens. When we get to that point, hopefully we're in a position that we have to make a tough call on somebody. We'll do that when we have to do it.
"We'll work through that here over the next 24-48 hours."
The Yankees' final decision will likely be influenced by what they believe will best position them for success in the postseason, but they also need to remain focused on their immediate goals.
For the time being, the rotation is set up with Cole pitching on Monday, followed by Carlos Rodon on Tuesday and Marcus Stroman on Wednesday. An off day on Thursday would then allow both Gil and Nestor Cortes to start on normal rest for Friday's series opener against the Cubs.