Cole is probably looking at a June or July return next year, though he’ll likely push the envelope if given the opportunity.

The move opens up a 40-man roster spot, and the Yankees used that space to add Carlos Carrasco to the active roster. Cole will miss all of 2025 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and he could miss a portion — potentially a significant one — of the 2026 campaign as well.

The Yankees announced the decision Monday evening following Cole’s visit with specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. It’s a crushing development for fantasy purposes since Cole was a top-15 range starting pitcher, on average, in drafts this spring. It’s obviously yet another significant hit to New York’s rotation depth just a few weeks after losing young flamethrower Luis Gil until at least early June due to a lat injury. It’ll be some combination of Marcus Stroman, Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco filling the immediate void created by his absence, but we’re fully anticipating the Yankees aggressively pursuing alternatives on the trade market. The 34-year-old right-hander will likely be sidelined until midway through the 2026 campaign.

Dr. ElAttrache will meet with Cole to determiner the next steps in Cole’s recovery. It’s been reported that the right-hander has received a recommendation to undergo Tommy John surgery, but Cole and the Yankees are undergoing a second opinion. Fantasy managers should be prepared for the worst, but more info should be available on his status in the coming days.