Yankees Linked to All-Star Pitcher After Gerrit Cole MRI News
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The New York Yankees sent Gerrit Cole to have an MRI on his pitching elbow on Monday, a concerning sign heading into the season. If Cole isn't fully healthy, the Yankees aren't going to be half of the team they're looking to be.
Staying healthy is the biggest concern for this team after years of being unable to do so. Until they prove they can do that, it's tough to trust them.
With Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, and others on the market, New York could find help on the mound if the MRI reveals any issues for Cole.
The other names on the market aren't big names, but they could help with what the team needs.
Christopher Kline of FanSided links the Yankees to former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Michael Lorenzen. Kline writes that New York would have to hope he returns to his All-Star form, which he was as recently as last season.
There are concerns with Lorenzen, however.
When traded to a big market, he had his struggles on the mound and was even left off the Phillies' Wild Card roster.
The right-hander earned All-Star honors after posting a 3.58 ERA with the Detroit Tigers in 18 starts. Lorenzen was then traded to Philadelphia, earning a 5.51 ERA in 11 appearances.
He's never been a consistent sub-4.00 ERA arm, and in a loaded American League East, it's tough to imagine a scenario where that changes.
Another concern is that he hasn't been a full-time starter up until 2022, so it's uncertain if he can even throw 150-plus innings of decent baseball.
Lorenzen hasn't signed yet, but that could change based on the concerns surrounding Cole.
