• Associated Press

Mar 8, 2025, 10:59 AM ET

TAMPA, Fla. —

“I’ve still got some hope,” he said.

Cole missed the start of last season because of nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. The six-time All-Star went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA in 17 starts then was 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five postseason starts.

The right-hander signed a nine-year, $324 million contract before the 2020 season. He won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award after going 15-4 with an AL-best 2.63 ERA in 33 starts.

The Yankees have been hit hard by injuries during spring training. Right-hander Luis Gil, the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year, is going to miss the start of the season because of a lat strain. Giancarlo Stanton also will begin the season on the injured list because of pain in both of his elbows. Infielder DJ LeMahieu has a left calf strain.

Stanton is going to have a third round of platelet-rich plasma injections. Speaking to reporters in Florida, the slugger described his elbow injuries as severe, but better than it was at the beginning of spring training.