TAMPA, Fla. -- The bright optimism of the early days at Yankees camp has given way to a harsh new reality: The club must pivot to a different Opening Day starting pitcher in the wake of Gerrit Cole’s right elbow injury.

While Cole continues to undergo testing this week, attempting to determine the severity of the injury and the proper course of action, the Yankees must prepare to play at least the season’s first month without the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. How exactly they’ll do so remains to be seen.

“I’ve lived this game all my life, so as much as it sounds crazy, you try not to get ahead of yourself too much with things,” manager Aaron Boone said.

That’s good advice, but we can’t help it. Let’s take another updated swing at projecting the Bombers’ Opening Day roster:

Catchers (2): Jose Trevino, Austin Wells

Though Trevino’s spring was delayed by a left calf strain, the Gold Glover looks healthy, homering in his first Grapefruit League game on Sunday. Wells has impressed with his improved defense, though he is not guaranteed to edge Ben Rortvedt for the backup job. Rortvedt is out of Minor League options.

First baseman (1): Anthony Rizzo

The fog from last year’s concussion has lifted for Rizzo, and he has appeared to return to form offensively and defensively. If his spring results translate into the season, Rizzo could be a contender for Comeback Player of the Year.

Second baseman (1): Gleyber Torres

Torres was one of the Yankees’ more productive offensive players in 2023, slashing .273/.347/.453 with 25 homers and 68 RBIs in 158 games. Entering a contractual walk year in 2024, Torres led the Yanks last season in batting average, hits (163), extra-base hits (55), doubles (28) and multi-hit games (46).

Shortstop (1): Anthony Volpe

Volpe tweaked his swing during the offseason to fine-tune his bat path, aiming to produce more level cuts and do more damage while reducing strikeouts. Of Volpe’s potential, hitting coach James Rowson said: “When you have a player [who is] that good of an athlete who makes an adjustment, watch out.” 

Third baseman (1): DJ LeMahieu

Boone intends to use LeMahieu as the leadoff hitter, saying that the veteran looks more “explosive” at the plate, even though it hasn’t translated into robust results this spring. LeMahieu says that he feels as though he has a strong base under him after a full offseason of health and training.  

Outfielders (4): Aaron Judge, Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, Trent Grisham

Judge underwent an MRI on Monday after dealing with abdominal discomfort, but he is expected to return to the lineup on Saturday. Soto looks ready for the season to begin, already slugging four homers this spring, including a stunning drive that landed near Dale Mabry Highway this past weekend. Plan on seeing Verdugo in left field most of the time. Grisham will see time in center field when Judge serves as the DH. 

Designated hitter (1): Giancarlo Stanton

Stanton is coming into the season leaner after slashing a career-worst .191/.275/.420 with 24 homers, 60 RBIs and an 87 OPS+ in 101 games last season. Slowed by numerous lower-half injuries in recent campaigns, Stanton prioritized diet and conditioning during the winter. He appears to be moving much better in running drills.

Utility players (2): Oswaldo Cabrera, Kevin Smith

With Oswald Peraza injured, the Yankees could look to the tandem of Cabrera and Smith (a non-roster invitee) to provide versatility, though there is a sense that the final pieces of their bench may not be on the current roster. Jeter Downs, Jahmai Jones, Jorbit Vivas and Josh VanMeter also remain under consideration for roster spots; Jones is out of Minor League options.

Starting pitchers (5): Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, Clarke Schmidt, Cody Poteet

With Cole set to miss at least a month due to a right elbow injury, the rotation’s depth will be tested early. Stroman could draw the Opening Day start on March 28 at Houston. Rodón and Cortes are being counted on for healthier performances.

There will be a battle for the No. 5 spot, though Boone seems to like Poteet, who has seen big league time with the Marlins and is being stretched out as a starter. Boone recently said that he feels Poteet is “a guy that can help us.” Other candidates include Luis Gil, Luke Weaver, Clayton Beeter and Will Warren.

Relief pitchers (8): Clay Holmes (CL), Nick Burdi, Caleb Ferguson, Victor González, Ian Hamilton, Jonathan Loáisiga, Dennis Santana, Luke Weaver

With Tommy Kahnle expected to begin the season on the injured list and Ron Marinaccio having a rough spring, there could be room for a pair of non-roster invitees to crack the relief corps in Burdi and Santana. Loáisiga could be a key factor. The hard-throwing righty is set to make his Grapefruit League debut on Thursday after several simulated games on back fields.

Who is the only Yankee to hit a grand slam on his birthday?

A) Jason Giambi
B) Hideki Matsui
C) Alex Rodriguez
D) Mark Teixeira

March 14, 1965: Six-time All-Star and two-time ERA title winner Kevin Brown was born in Milledgeville, Ga.

Having also pitched for the Rangers, Orioles, Marlins, Padres and Dodgers, Brown wrapped his 19-year career with the Yankees from 2004-05, going 14-13 with a 4.95 ERA. He made three postseason starts for the Bombers, including a losing effort in Game 7 of the 2004 American League Championship Series.

B) Matsui

Matsui celebrated his 34th birthday in style by hitting a grand slam on June 12, 2008, at Oakland, accounting for all four of the Yankees’ runs in a 4-1 win.

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