MLB Rumors: 3 Pitchers Linked To Yankees After Gerrit Cole News

Following the unsettling news of Gerrit Cole's elbow injury, the New York Yankees swiftly turned their attention to fortifying their pitching rotation.

Christopher Kline has linked three prominent names to the Yankees in their search for reinforcements: Zack Greinke, Mike Clevinger, and Michael Lorenzen.

Greinke, a seasoned veteran with a storied career, despite a challenging season with the Kansas City Royals, stands out for his command and durability, offering a potential short-term solution for the Yankees amidst Cole's absence. Despite his age and diminished velocity, Greinke's experience could provide stability until Cole's return.

ZACK GREINKE HAS DONE IT!

He becomes just the 5th pitcher in MLB history to strikeout 1,000 different players.

Watch him celebrate in classic Greinke style...pic.twitter.com/Gq42XfA5IX

— Baseball Brit (@BaseballBrit) May 14, 2023

Meanwhile, Mike Clevinger's bounce-back performance with the Chicago White Sox in 2023 caught the Yankees' eye.

While concerns linger over his injury history, Clevinger's ability to consistently deliver quality starts presents an enticing option for New York. He posted a 3.77 ERA with 110 strikeouts across 131.1 innings and 24 starts last season.

His affordability and potential to stabilize the rotation offer a glimmer of hope for the Yankees, who have been grappling with pitching woes in recent times, aiming to maintain competitiveness in the AL East.

Mike Clevinger thinks Dom Smith was showing him up, a breakdown pic.twitter.com/Tq50tz4rn5

— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) September 27, 2023

In addition to Greinke and Clevinger, the Yankees are considering Michael Lorenzen, a versatile pitcher who showcased All-Star potential before experiencing a dip in performance post-trade deadline.

Despite inconsistency, Lorenzen's ability to mix pitches effectively and generate strikeouts could bolster the Yankees' rotation or bullpen.

Last season, Lorenzen achieved All-Star status with the Detroit Tigers, showcasing impressive stats with a 3.58 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP over 18 starts. However, following a mid-season trade to the Philadelphia Phillies, his performance saw a slight dip in the National League, where he recorded a 5.51 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP in seven starts.

A short-term contract with Lorenzen would provide valuable depth and flexibility as the team navigates through the uncertainty surrounding Cole's injury, ensuring they remain competitive in their pursuit of success. Photo Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports