Gerrit Cole’s Return to Boost New York Yankees’ Elite Rotation
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Gerrit Cole took the Yankee Stadium mound in full pinstriped uniform as his New York teammates filled the dugout to watch their ace throw 20 pitches of batting practice.
“I feel pretty good, and the stuff looked pretty good," Cole said. “I had some fun. It’s all positives.”
Cole faced batters for the first time since spring training, pitching 3 1/2 hours before Tuesday night’s game against Seattle. When asked why he pitched in full uniform, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner simply replied: “Because I miss it.”
Manager Aaron Boone took notice of Cole’s attire.
“It places a seriousness on it. What it means to put on this uni,” Boone said.
Cole threw 11 fastballs, three changeups, and two each of curveballs, sliders, and changeups.
“It looked like it was coming out real easy. I thought he was sharp,” Boone said. “That’s a big step.”
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Cole made one spring training start on March 1, and the Yankees announced 10 days later that the 33-year-old right-hander’s elbow was ailing. He was diagnosed with nerve inflammation and edema and told to rest. He didn’t throw off a mound again until May 5, the first of five bullpen sessions leading up to his initial BP.
Cole anticipates one or two more BP sessions before starting a minor league rehabilitation assignment. He likely would have four or five minor league starts before rejoining the Yankees, making a late June return possible. Last season, Cole averaged 96.7 mph on his fastball.
Seeing Cole back on the mound, even in a practice setting, is a significant step forward for the Yankees. His return would provide a substantial boost to a team that relies heavily on his dominant presence in the rotation. The Yankees and their fans are eagerly awaiting his full recovery and return to the lineup, as his performance is critical to their success this season.
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