Gerrit Cole to Begin Season on IL, Yankees Adjust Roster

SAN FRANCISCO – New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will open the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list, the team announced Wednesday, rather than the 60-day IL. The decision, made prior to the Yankees’ season opener against the San Francisco Giants, avoids a significantly longer absence for the right-handed pitcher.

Had the 35-year-old Cole been placed on the 60-day injured list, he would have been ineligible to pitch in a Major League Baseball game until May 24th. This shorter stint on the IL provides a clearer, though still uncertain, timeline for his return to the mound.

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11 of last year, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He made a pair of spring training starts on March 18th and Tuesday, testing his recovery and building towards a return. The Yankees are clearly optimistic about his progress, opting for the shorter IL designation.

This news arrives as the Yankees finalize their roster for the 2026 campaign. Several other roster moves were made following Tuesday’s exhibition game to meet the 26-player active limit. These adjustments reflect the team’s strategy as they navigate early-season injuries and player availability.

Roster Adjustments Alongside Cole’s Placement

Left-handed pitcher Carlos Rodón, recovering from elbow surgery performed last October, was placed on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to March 22nd. Shortstop Anthony Volpe, also rehabbing from a left shoulder surgery also performed last October, was added to the 10-day injured list, also retroactive to March 22nd. These moves allow the Yankees to create roster space while providing injured players time to recover.

Right-handed pitcher Luis Gil was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 2024 American League Rookie of the Year isn’t immediately needed in the major league rotation, as the Yankees will begin the season with a four-man starting pitching staff due to scheduled off-days. This allows Gil to continue developing and remain sharp without occupying a roster spot during a period of relative pitching depth.

Grichuk Added to Yankees Roster

New York also selected the contract of outfielder Randal Grichuk, who was with the RailRiders. He has signed a one-year, $2.5 million contract while on the major league roster, and $210,000 while in the minor leagues. Grichuk also has the potential to earn up to $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $250,000 for reaching 200 plate appearances, and an additional $250,000 for every 50 plate appearances thereafter, up to 450 total. This provides incentive for consistent playing time and contribution to the Yankees’ offense.

Grichuk, 34, hit .125 (3-for-24) during spring training, driving in one run. Last year, playing for Arizona and Kansas City, he batted .228 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs. He provides the Yankees with an experienced outfielder who can contribute offensively, and defensively.

The Yankees’ decision to place Cole on the 15-day IL, rather than the 60-day IL, signals a belief that his recovery is progressing well and that he could return to the rotation relatively soon. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, this move offers a more optimistic outlook for the Yankees’ chances of contending for a championship in 2026.

For fans following the Yankees, the next few weeks will be crucial in monitoring Cole’s progress and the performance of the team’s pitching staff. The Yankees’ schedule in April includes series against the Giants, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays, providing early opportunities to assess the team’s strengths and weaknesses.

The Yankees begin their season against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday, March 25th at Oracle Park. First pitch is scheduled for 4:05 PM ET (1:05 PM PT). The team will then return to Yankee Stadium for their home opener on April 1st against the Toronto Blue Jays.

What are your thoughts on the Yankees’ roster moves? Share your predictions for the season in the comments below!