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TAMPA — The cosmic event that is Gerrit Cole’s surgery has eclipsed all other issues facing the Yankees, including a significant one.

The club also has lost its intimidating designated hitter indefinitely and is hosting an open competition for his replacement(s).

With Giancarlo Stanton’s return date unknown, who will be their DH?

“We feel really good about some left-handed options we have for right-handed pitchers,” manager Aaron Boone said of a competition that appears down to three. “Guys that we feel like can be really good hitters for us.”