As we gear up for Major League Baseball's Opening Day, the anticipation is palpable. The Los Angeles Dodgers are stepping into the season as the favorites for the World Series crown. But don’t count out the New York Yankees, who have their own high expectations.
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole recently shared some encouraging news about his recovery from a shoulder injury. After a throwing session on Thursday, Cole said, “I would say it's gone very well.
We've hit every marker that we've tried to hit. We're in the parameters of what we're looking for.”
Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025, missed all of last season and was limited to just 17 starts in 2024. But now, he’s showing promising signs, clocking 97 miles-per-hour on the radar gun.
“I hadn't really been anywhere close to that in my bullpens. But when the big dogs are in the box, you want to do everything you can to prevent the ball from coming back at your face,” Cole remarked.
While the Yankees don’t expect Cole back until June, the progress he’s making is a positive step. If he can return to his pre-injury form, the Yankees could be formidable contenders for a world championship.
With Max Fried leading the rotation, Carlos Rodon maintaining his form, and Cam Schlittler poised for a breakout, the Yankees' pitching staff is shaping up to be a force in 2026.