Yankees Spring Training: Cole's Comeback and Rodriguez's Rise
The Yankees had an eventful day at spring training, showcasing both veteran prowess and emerging talent. Gerrit Cole, fresh off Tommy John surgery, was the highlight, touching nearly 97 mph with his fastball.
Facing Trent Grisham, who received a $22 million qualifying offer this offseason, Cole demonstrated why he's still a force to be reckoned with. Despite Grisham's strong plate discipline, he couldn't match Cole's intensity, signaling a promising return for the ace.
Cole's Impressive Live Batting Practice
Though Cole's full return isn't expected until June, his velocity is already impressive. He reached 96.9 mph in his first session against hitters since last March's surgery.
In about 20 pitches, Cole faced Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Domínguez. Judge grounded out, while Domínguez made solid contact, wrapping up Cole's day on a high note, celebrated with high fives from teammates and family present.
Manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism, noting Cole's revamped windup, which now includes a hands-over-head motion. The Yankees anticipate Cole's return to the majors by late May or June, possibly logging innings before spring ends. His ability to flirt with 97 mph post-surgery is remarkable for a 35-year-old, hinting at a strong comeback.
Rodriguez Shines in Grapefruit League Opener
In the Yankees' 2-0 loss to the Orioles, young pitcher Elmer Rodriguez stood out, delivering three scoreless innings with three hits allowed. His 97 mph sinker and fastball were impressive for the 22-year-old prospect in his spring training debut. Acquired from Boston in 2024, Rodriguez posted a 2.58 ERA with 176 strikeouts over 150 innings last season, showcasing why he's a top prospect.
Rodriguez's performance was a bright spot, setting the tone for the Yankees' pitching prospects. His command of a six-pitch mix suggests he's close to earning a major league spot, providing depth as the Yankees navigate early-season challenges with Cole and Carlos Rodón recovering from surgeries.
Offensive Highlights and Future Prospects
Jazz Chisholm secured the Yankees' first hit of spring, in a game where the lineup featured mostly backups. Aaron Judge, opting out of the road trip, will debut Saturday against the Tigers. The lineup struggled against Orioles starter Trevor Rogers, who shined last season with a 1.81 ERA.
Pete Alonso, now with the Orioles, made a statement with a home run, showing why Baltimore invested in his power. While the game's outcome is minor in the grand scheme, Alonso's performance was a reminder of his capabilities.
Rodriguez: A Key Takeaway
Rodriguez's outing against several Orioles regulars highlighted his readiness for higher competition. His mid-90s sinker and versatile arsenal, including a four-seamer, curveball, splitter, and cutter, were on full display. With Cole and Rodón on the mend, Rodriguez could be a key option if reinforcements are needed before Cole's expected return.
Looking ahead, fellow prospect Carlos Lagrange will take the mound against the Tigers, another promising arm for the Yankees. Lagrange, who recently struck out Judge with a 102.6 mph fastball, adds to the Yankees' potential pitching depth for 2026.
Looking Forward
The Yankees continue their spring schedule with Judge's debut against Detroit, followed by a matchup against the Mets. Eleven Yankees, including Judge, will participate in the World Baseball Classic starting March 1. The team opens the season against the Giants on March 25.
Friday's performances from Cole and Rodriguez offer a glimpse of a potentially formidable pitching staff. While spring results aren't definitive, these outings suggest the Yankees' depth could be a significant asset as they aim for October success.