Gerrit Cole has 'NOT torn his UCL and won't require Tommy John surgery' in huge boost for the Yankees' pitching rotation... after he flew to LA to meet star doctor Neal ElAttrache

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has reportedly avoided the worst-case scenario with his elbow injury, as the pitcher will not require Tommy John surgery.

Earlier this week, Cole was ruled out for 'at least' one-to-two months, and it was reported that he would be visiting esteemed sports surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles.

Now, the New York Post has said that Cole's visit with ElAttrache went well, with the doctor agreeing with the Yankees' medical staff that the pitcher had not torn his UCL.

The report says that the plan for the 33-year-old will be 'rest, rehab and some conservative, non-surgical treatments.'

The Post reported earlier this week that Cole would be out for an 'extended period' ahead of his visit with ElAttrache.

Yankees' Ace Gerrit Cole has avoided the worst-case scenario and won't need Tommy John

He was examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who has operated on some of sport's biggest stars

ElAttrache also 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 pitcher is reportedly 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.

With him out of the lineup, the Yankees will rely more heavily on the likes of Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman and Nestor Cortes on the mound. 

There is also uncertainty about the health of slugger Aaron Judge, who has been dealing with abdominal discomfort.

He hasn't taken on-field batting practice or hit in a game since Sunday. 

He had an MRI on Monday, and is hoping to be ready for Opening Day on March 28.