Gerrit Cole is making significant strides in his rehab journey, and the Yankees are taking note. Today, he’s set to throw a live bullpen session, facing a formidable lineup including Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and Jasson Dominguez. This marks an important milestone in his recovery process.
Manager Aaron Boone hinted at the possibility of Cole facing hitters in the Grapefruit League as camp winds down, but Cole himself has been clear about sticking to the 14-18 month recovery timeline. This means a potential return in late May at the earliest, although the Yankees have yet to place him on the 60-day IL, sparking some curiosity about his progress.
The Yankees are eager to see Cole back on the mound after the challenging news last year. An MRI revealed a UCL tear in his elbow, leading to the inevitable decision for Tommy John surgery. Now, 11 months into his rehab, Cole is preparing to face live hitters, including three former MVPs, with reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge among them.
The Yankees are eyeing a late-May or June return for Cole, but his rapid progress is generating buzz. Despite this, Cole emphasizes that he’s not rushing back, acknowledging the full UCL reconstruction requires a careful 14-18 month recovery. While some pitchers have returned faster, like Zach Duke, the Yankees are prioritizing Cole’s long-term health over a speedy comeback.