Yankees place Gerrit Cole on 60-day IL, make host of roster moves ahead of Opening Day
The Yankees made a bevy of roster moves prior to their Opening Day matchup with the Houston Astros on Thursday, most notably placing Gerrit Cole on the 60-day IL due to right elbow inflammation.
Other moves New York made that will have an impact on the team out of the gate were placing infielders DJ LeMahieu (right foot contusion) and Oswald Peraza (right shoulder strain) on the 10-day IL, retroactive to March 25. LeMahieu is slated to be the Yankees' starting third baseman when he returns, while Peraza’s role was likely that of utility infielder.
Back to the pitching side, right-handers Tommy Kahnle (right shoulder inflammation) and McKinley Moore (right knee bursitis) were placed on the 15-day IL, also retroactive to March 25. Kahnle is in the second year of a two-year contract with New York and pitched to a 2.66 ERA in 42 appearances in 2023 after starting the season on the 60-day IL.
Despite missing some time last season, the 34-year-old was an integral part of the bullpen and figures to be in a similar role this season when healthy. Meanwhile, Moore was claimed off waivers from the Philadelphia Phillies in February but did not pitch during spring training.
For pitching depth, RHP Luis Gil was recalled from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and RHP Nick Burdi was signed to a major league contract and selected to the active roster. Across 19 appearances in the majors, Burdi has pitched to a 9.39 ERA, but the righty pitched well in spring training – to the tune of a 2.45 ERA in 7.1 innings with 13 strikeouts.
Gil also impressed during the spring with his 2.87 ERA in five games (three starts), striking out 23 in 15.1 innings. He last pitched for the Yanks at the major league level in 2022, and in his career as strictly a starter, the 25-year-old has a 3.78 ERA in seven starts.
Lastly, after acquiring him in a trade with the Miami Marlins on Wednesday, infielder Jon Berti was added to the active roster. Berti is a six-year veteran with a career .705 OPS, and can provide flexibility all across the field, especially third base with the absence of LeMahieu.
