Yankees hit with HUGE Gerrit Cole blow with pitcher out 'for at least 1-2 months' with elbow issue and 'is visiting Dr Neal ElAttrache in LA' - the surgeon who operated on Aaron Rodgers and Shohei Ohtani

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will reportedly miss 'at least' one-to-two months with an elbow issue.

Cole, 33, had an MRI on his elbow this week, with concern mounting in regards to his ulnar collateral ligament in particular.

Now, according to the New York Post, Cole will be out for an 'extended period,' and will visit prominent sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in LA.

ElAttrache operated on Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after he tore his Achilles, and also did elbow surgery on reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani in September.

The New York Post reported that neither ElAttrache or Yankees team doctors detected a UCL tear for Cole, but ElAttrache has recommended more testing since the beginning of the week.

The Yankees will reportedly be without ace pitcher Gerrit Cole for at least one-to-two months

Cole reacts as he is taken out of the game by manager Aaron Boone during the first inning of a spring training game against the Blue Jays on March 1

The Yankees initially believed that Cole's elbow issue could be resolved with 'rest and other conservative treatments,' but that thinking has now changed.

The pitcher is now expected to be out until May or early June, at the earliest. 

Cole, the 2023 Cy Young award winner, posted a league-leading 2.63 ERA in 33 starts last season.

He joined the team on a nine-year, $324million contract in 2019 after starring for the Pirates and Astros.

In more bad news for the Yankees, Aaron Judge's Opening Day status is in doubt due to an abdominal injury.