Reviewing Yankees' rotation options with injured ace eyeing June return

The New York Yankees have one of the best starting rotations in the majors, and their ace Gerrit Cole has yet to pitch this season.

Cole, who was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his right elbow, made one spring training start on March 1 and has been on the shelf ever since. His injury sparked fear that the Yankees' hopes of returning to the postseason after last year's 82-80 season, were over before the season even began. But here we are.

New York pitchers have the third-best ERA in baseball (2.86) and lead the American League in strikeouts (458). A big part of the Yankees' success thus far has come from rookie right-hander Luis Gil.

Gil took the place of the injured ace in the Yankees' starting rotation after a strong spring. While the expectations were low for the 25-year-old righty, Gil has done nothing but exceed them. Through 10 starts, Gil has pitched to a 2.11 ERA with 70 strikeouts over 55 1/3 innings of work.

Cole, who is eligible to return from the 60-day injured list at the end of the month, threw a live batting practice on Tuesday. The 33-year-old will throw at least one more live batting practice before starting a rehab assignment. He is expected to return to the Yankees rotation some time in July, but if all goes well, the reigning Cy Young winner is not ruling out a June return.

With Cole's return just weeks away, Yankees manager Aaron Boone will have some decisions to make. New York has used a five-man rotation of Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Clarke Schmidt and Gil since Opening Day. 

Given how effective the Yankees rotation has been, it's hard to justify taking anyone out. One possible solution would be a six-man rotation. The extra day of rest could keep not just Cole, but each Yankees starter fresh. If New York decides to stick with the five-man rotation, the most likely candidate to be taken out of the rotation would be Gil. The Athletic reported earlier this week that Gil, who has already exceeded his career high in innings pitched, could be sent back to the bullpen once Cole returns to manage his workload. But if the Yankees keep winning and Gil keeps dominating, the next candidate to move back to the Bronx bullpen would be Schmidt.

Whatever Boone decides to do, having five reliable starters in the rotation is a good problem to have.