New York Yankees
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the New York Yankees pitching rotation.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
The Yankees face a rotation crisis entering 2026, with multiple aces recovering from elbow surgeries. Cole, Rodón, Schmidt, and Hampton all underwent procedures in 2024-2025, creating significant depth concerns and Opening Day uncertainty.
KEY PITCHERS
Gerrit Cole
RHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (UCL reconstruction w/ internal brace), March 2025. Elbow nerve irritation/edema, Spring 2024. Missed entire 2025 season. 1,950+ career innings (elite durability pre-2025).
Durability Risk Profile
Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025 and missed the entire season, targeting a mid-2026 return after 14 months of recovery. Despite elite career durability (200+ innings in 6 of 10 seasons), his elbow issues in back-to-back spring trainings raise concerns. The internal brace procedure may accelerate his return, but velocity and effectiveness remain question marks.
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Carlos Rodón
LHP • #2 Starter
Injury History
Loose bodies & bone spur removal (left elbow), October 2025. Expected return April/May 2026. Extensive injury history throughout career.
Durability Risk Profile
Rodón underwent elbow surgery in October 2025 to remove loose bodies and bone spurs, with rehab progressing well for an April/May return. His injury-prone track record makes him a perennial IL risk despite ace-level talent when healthy.
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Clarke Schmidt
RHP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery with internal brace, 2025. Possibly out entire 2026 season. No earlier than August 1 return if healthy.
Durability Risk Profile
Schmidt underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025 and faces a lengthy recovery that could sideline him for the entire 2026 season. If he returns, it won't be before August, making him a major durability question mark.
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Ryan Weathers
LHP • #4 Starter
Injury History
Flexor strain & lat strain, 2025. Fully healthy entering 2026. Acquired via trade.
Durability Risk Profile
Weathers missed time in 2025 with flexor and lat strains but is fully healthy entering spring training and positioned as a rotation contributor. His soft-tissue injury history suggests moderate durability concerns.
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Chase Hampton
RHP • #5 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery, 2025. Expected return May/June 2026. Questionable for season start.
Durability Risk Profile
Hampton is recovering from Tommy John surgery with a May/June 2026 target return, making him unavailable for Opening Day.
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