The New York Yankees were facing rotation questions. Now, with that, the team’s worst-case situation has unfolded—Gerrit Cole is hurt. The $324 million star has been shut down with elbow discomfort. While the team remains optimistic, the baseball world knows how such things proceed. The last period a Cy Young winner faced “elbow discomfort” was Jacob deGrom. He ended up needing Tommy John surgery.
Without Gerrit Cole, the team’s rotation looks shockingly weak. Carlos Rodón is the next man up. He had a 6.85 ERA in his first season with the Yankees. In addition, the team has Nestor Cortes Jr. He missed most of 2023 with a rotator cuff situation. Marcus Stroman, another talent, was brought in to stabilize aspects; however, he is not a No. 1. That leaves the team thinking Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil can step up—not specifically a comforting approach for a team with World Series aspirations.
Just as New York Yankees fans were spiraling, the second-most wins by a black pitcher in major league history sent the internet in a frenzy—with a little humor. Instead of a direct reaction and dramatic statement to Cole’s injury, CC Sabathia simply posted a “Batman Returns” image. No words, no highlights—just a playful nod, which quickly had fans buzzing. Was the three-time Warren Spahn Award winner hinting at a return? Probably not. However, that did not stop Yankees fans from dreaming.
Sabathia, who last pitched in 2019, has always had a powerful link with the Bronx faithful. So, while the star’s post was likely just a friendly gesture, fans took it and ran with it—because, hey, desperate times spark wild thoughts.
Now, the New York Yankees fans have spoken
“We need you to come backkkk,” one fan wrote. The desperation is real; the New York Yankees have not won a championship since Sabathia helped guide the team there in 2009. In the final two seasons, as injuries took their toll, the left-handed pitcher still managed to post a sub-4.00 ERA. This is something the current team rotation could struggle to do.
Another fan said, “Bro, come out of retirement and help the Yanks at this point.” Honestly, no one can blame the fans; the team’s rotation is hanging by a thread. Gerrit Cole is out indefinitely, Carlos Rodón is coming off a disastrous 2023, and Nestor Cortes battled shoulder issues. That is three of the team’s top five starters facing serious issues before Opening Day. If another star goes down, the Yankees could be in a full meltdown situation. Sabathia, who retired in 2019 after 19 MLB seasons, is not coming back—however, desperation makes fans dream big.
“How much weight can you put on before Opening Day“? Classic CC banter; however, the truth is, the New York Yankees could utilize his old-school durability. In the prime, he was a machine. He threw 200 innings for seven straight seasons. On April 30, 2019, the star became the seventeenth pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts. In addition, Cole threw 209 innings—no other Yankees starter managed more than 160. If he could even eat up innings, he would be a large upgrade over the issue currently in the rotation.
Another user said, “Delay the Hall of Fame.”. This hits hard. The first pitcher to debut in the 21st century is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2025. It can be said that in this race his case is powerful with 251 wins, 3,093 strikeouts, and a Cy Young Award. However, right now, fans care more about his left arm than his Hall plaque.
Fans could not help but reminisce related to Sabathia’s legendary 2008 run with the Brewers, with one joking, “CC’s about to pull a 2008 Brewers stint. 45 starts, 20 complete-game shutouts and 1.15 ERA in 326.2 innings. Entire season on 3 days rest.” Honestly, who would not need a repeat of that? Back in 2008, he carried the Milwaukee Brewers into the playoffs almost single-handedly. After seeing the Yankees’ current pitching situation, fans would gladly take half of that production.
It is true that competitors could not ignore what Sabathia is on the mound; another commenter said, “Honestly, as a Red Sox fan, I hope you stay retired because you were dominant against us.” That is some serious enemy respect. CC had an 18-15 record with an ERA of 4.25 and 244 strikeouts in 44 appearances against the Red Sox in his career. While the star’s career numbers do not scream unstoppable, he was the Yankees’ go-to ace during their best years.
Reality check—CC is not coming back. However, this reaction highlights just how desperate the New York Yankees fans are. If Cole’s injury turns out to be serious, will the front office have a real solution? Will Yankees fans be begging for another ghost of the past?
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