Gerrit Cole's return to the mound was a sight for sore eyes for Yankees fans, as the ace made his first appearance since undergoing Tommy John surgery. In a spring training game, Cole pitched just one inning, but his presence alone was a promising sign for the Bronx Bombers.
Manager Aaron Boone, speaking during the Yankees' spring training matchup against the Orioles, provided some insights into Cole's progress. Boone noted that Cole is actively involved in the team's activities, even taking on the old-school task of charting pitches. This practice, reminiscent of days when starting pitchers would meticulously track pitches in the stands or clubhouse, shows Cole's dedication to his craft.
Despite allowing two hits, one of which was a bunt, Cole didn't give up any runs in his brief outing. It's a positive step forward, especially considering the long road back from surgery.
While Cole won't be ready for Opening Day, the Yankees are wisely opting for a cautious approach. Though there's no set timeline for his return to the rotation, the expectation is that Cole could be back in action within the first few months of the season. It's a scenario that has fans eagerly anticipating his full return, as his presence is crucial for the Yankees' pitching staff.