Gerrit Cole is back on the mound for the New York Yankees, and his return is creating quite the buzz. After missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, the 35-year-old ace is gearing up for a comeback at the Yankees' spring training camp in Tampa, Florida. On Wednesday, Cole made his much-anticipated return in a Grapefruit League matchup against the Boston Red Sox, marking his first competitive appearance since surgery.
The game took an intriguing turn right from the start. Boston's Braiden Ward decided to bunt on Cole’s very first pitch, testing the veteran's agility.
Cole, ever the competitor, chased down the ball and made a sliding attempt near first base, though Ward managed to reach safely. Despite this, Cole took the challenge in stride, later joking that he didn’t need pitchers’ fielding practice that day.
Cole’s sense of humor aside, his performance was solid. He recorded a scoreless inning, needing just 10 pitches to retire the next three batters. This outing was a promising sign for Yankees fans eager to see the 2023 American League Cy Young winner back in action.
The decision to bunt sparked some controversy, especially with sports radio host Chris McGonigle of WFAN. McGonigle expressed his displeasure on air, calling out the Red Sox for their choice in a spring training game.
“Gerrit Cole coming off injury-first pitch of the game, they’re laying down a bunt. In spring training?”
he remarked, clearly fired up for the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry to heat up once again.
Last season, the Yankees finished ahead of their rivals in the AL East standings, though neither team clinched the division. They also triumphed over the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, bouncing back after an initial home loss.
For Cole, this outing was more than just a return; it was a statement. After 372 days away from MLB action, he’s ready to lead the Yankees' rotation once again, and fans should be excited about what lies ahead.