Basketball legend Gerrit Cole needs to go through Tommy John surgery, a procedure that typically helps to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament injury. The New York Yankees star posted the update for fans, calling it “the necessary next step” for his athletic career.
What happened to Gerrit Cole?
MLB star Gerrit Cole has been recommended to undergo Tommy John surgery for his injury. The 34-year-old athlete posted the news on Instagram to his 428k followers, announcing his apparent hiatus.
Cole wrote, “From the time I first dreamed of wearing the Yankees uniform, my goal has always been to help bring a World Series championship to New York. That dream hasn’t changed—I still believe in it, and I’m more determined than ever to achieve it.
Today, the most respected medical experts in the field recommend that I undergo Tommy John surgery. This isn’t the news any athlete wants to hear, but it’s the necessary next step for my career.”
While his surgery may need a respectable recovery time, Cole is positive about his work ahead. He reassured fans, stating, I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound—stronger than ever. See you soon.”
Meanwhile, Tommy John surgery is a reconstruction procedure for a torn ulnar collateral ligament inside the elbow. The surgery replaces the tendon from elsewhere in the body. As per Hopkins Medicine, “The goal of the surgery is to stabilize the elbow, reduce or eliminate pain, and restore stability and range of motion. This procedure was introduced and first performed by Frank Jobe, M.D., on baseball pitcher Tommy John in 1974—hence the colloquial name Tommy John surgery.”
Reports claim Cole visited the Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute. Dr. Neal ElAttrache will be the one to perform the procedure. There is no official statement about when the star pitcher will return to the games. But reports say the surgery may need 12 to 18 months for a full recovery.
With Cole’s official announcement, Yankees fans have assumed that the MLB star will not participate in the 2025 games. Followers of the charismatic player have poured their support for him on Instagram.
