The New York Yankees announced that Gerrit Cole will begin the 2026 season on the 15-day injured list rather than the 60-day IL. The 35-year-old right-hander had Tommy John surgery last March and made two spring training starts before the decision. Had Cole been placed on the 60-day IL, he would have been sidelined until May 24.

This move allows Cole to potentially return earlier in the season, though the Yankees will monitor his recovery carefully. The team also placed Carlos Rodon on the 15-day IL retroactive to March 22 as he recovers from elbow surgery, and Anthony Volpe joined him on the 10-day IL after shoulder surgery. These moves help New York trim their roster to the 26-player limit.

In other roster moves, the Yankees optioned Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and selected the contract of Randal Grichuk, who signed a one-year deal worth $2.5 million in the majors and $210,000 in the minors. Grichuk can earn $1.5 million in performance bonuses based on plate appearances. The team begins with a four-man rotation due to off days, reducing the need for additional starters early in the season.