SAN FRANCISCO — Ace Gerrit Cole was put on the 15-day injured list by the New York Yankees before Wednesday’s season opener against San Francisco rather than the 60-day IL.
If the 35-year-old right-hander had been placed on the 60-day IL, he could have not pitched in a major league game until May 24.
He had Tommy John surgery on March 11 last year with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache and has made a pair of spring training starts, on March 18 and on Tuesday.
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New York also made several moves after Tuesday’s exhibition finale to get down to the limit of 26 active players.
Left-hander Carlos Rodon, recovering from elbow surgery last October, was placed on the 15-day IL retroactive to March 22 and shortstop Anthony Volpe, rehabbing from left shoulder surgery last October, was put on the 10-day IL retroactive to March 22.
Right-hander Luis Gil was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year isn’t needed in the major leagues early in the season as the Yankees start with a four-man rotation because of off days.
New York also selected the contract of outfielder Randal Grichuk from the RailRiders. He gets a one-year deal calling for $2.5 million while in the major leagues and $210,000 in the minors. He can earn $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances: $250,000 for 200 and each additional 50 through 450.
Grichuk, 34, hit .125 (3-for-24) during spring training with one RBI. He batted .228 with nine home runs and 27 RBIs last year for Arizona and Kansas City.
