TAMPA, Fla. - A Simulated Showdown: Cole vs. Judge
The Yankees have been eagerly anticipating this day ever since Gerrit Cole underwent elbow surgery. This wasn’t just a step in his recovery; it was a pivotal moment. In an empty Steinbrenner Field, with no opposing team in sight, it was Cole’s fastball against Aaron Judge’s bat speed-a true test of Cole’s progress.
And what a test it was. Cole’s fastball clocked in at nearly 97 mph during an eight-pitch sequence, a promising sign for the Yankees ace. Judge, managing just a single hit-a sharp opposite-field line drive-spoke volumes about Cole’s impressive return.
“Gerrit looked great, I was excited to see him back on the mound,” Judge shared post-workout. “His stuff is still electric...it’s still pretty impressive.”
While the Yankees’ travel squad headed to Sarasota for the Grapefruit League opener, many veterans stayed back in Tampa. Carlos Rodon quipped, “this is the better story right here. I’m sticking around to watch.”
The build-up was palpable. Club officials announced Cole’s session on Field 1 at 11:07 a.m., and the anticipation grew as the team began stretching an hour earlier.
Max Fried also took the mound, showcasing his crisp fastball, change-up, and a curveball that kept hitters guessing. Fried faced Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham before Cole took over. The PA system fittingly played “Magic” by Lil Skies as Cole approached the mound, setting the stage for what felt like a magical moment.
Cole, at 35 and less than a year post-surgery, delivered pitches with the vigor of a much younger man. The velocity and precision were remarkable, as if he’d never been away. His ability to paint the corners and control the strike zone left Judge and others impressed.
The Yankees’ reaction to Cole’s performance was one of pure excitement. After his one-inning, 18-pitch session, Cole was warmly greeted by teammates, a testament to his hard work and resilience.
Looking ahead, the Yankees are optimistic about Cole’s return, potentially by early June. His presence, alongside Max Fried and a healthy Carlos Rodon, bolsters their rotation significantly.
“We’re not the same without (Cole) on the field, showing up every five days,” Judge noted. “We’re getting a Cy Young Award winner back.
I like our chances. It’s going to be a special year.”
However, caution remains. The next 24-48 hours are crucial in assessing how Cole’s elbow responds. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, who relied on pitching coach Matt Blake’s report, is taking a measured approach, acknowledging that soreness and pain are distinctly different.
Cole’s next steps are still to be determined, as the Yankees wisely manage his comeback. After his session, Cole left with his family, a reminder that he’s not just a pitcher but a person with priorities beyond the game.
On this hopeful day, the radar gun told a powerful story-Cole’s arm is on the mend. While the Yankees are cautious not to jinx it, that 96.9 mph pitch to Judge was a clear message: Cole is back.