Pessimistic Brian Cashman prepared for the worst with Gerrit Coles elbow injury

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees from spring training JUPITER, Fla.— While the Yankees didn’t have an official update on Gerrit Cole on Sunday, it was nearly just as revealing of a day about the ace’s condition as yesterday.Prior to the Yankees’ spring training matchup against the Cardinals on Sunday afternoon, general manager Brian Cashman didn’t express much optimism about his ace.“[I’m] prepared for the worst,” he told The Post and Newsday.

“We will see how it plays out.I’m always wired to think the worst and hope for the best.”“Obviously not what you want, but it’s ultimately part of our journey here in 2025,” he added.For the second consecutive spring offseason, the Yankees find themselves nervous and on the edge of their seats about the 2023 Cy Young winner, who was diagnosed with elbow nerve inflammation and edema after just one spring start a year ago.Cole, who experienced discomfort following his second spring start on Thursday against the Twins, underwent tests and imaging on his right elbow on Friday to get an “initial idea” on the injury.

He is currently seeking additional opinions.The 34-year-old gave up six runs in 2 ⅔ innings while building up his pitch count to 54, and manager Aaron Boone said he is hoping to have an update on Monday. On Saturday, Cole expressed he was “concerned” at the thought of having to undergo surgery on the same elbow that shut him down last season.Cashman agreed with the six-time All-Star, saying “he should be concerned” but countered that the Yankees and Cole are more prepared to handle this situation after going through it just a year ago. “I was with him in Tampa.I think last year, [it was] very emotional [for Cole] because it was a whole new experience,” Cashman said.

“This year now, not as emotional because he’s walked this line already.And so, I think he ...