Yankees' Gerrit Cole Throws Scoreless Inning in Spring Training

Segment Spotlight: Quick Hits From The Early Line Live

Gerrit Cole's Gradual Comeback with the Yankees

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees' ace pitcher, recently made a return in a spring training session, throwing an inning despite not being expected to join the team at the start of the season. The Yankees' strategy appears focused on ensuring Cole is fully prepared for the latter half of the season and ultimately for the World Series, reflecting their perennial championship aspirations.

During his recovery, Cole is anticipated to start in Double-A and Triple-A games, with hopes of him joining the major league roster in a couple of months. However, there is a consensus that it would be prudent to delay his return to major league action until after April or even May, emphasizing the long-term view over immediate gains. This careful approach mirrors the strategy used successfully by other teams, such as the Dodgers with Shohei Ohtani last season, where the focus was on having a key player fully ready for the crucial stages of the season rather than rushing them back prematurely.

Observations from Cole's recent outing noted that his fastball speed was up to par and he showed no signs of discomfort, a positive sign for the Yankees as they look to manage his workload and ensure he is at his best for August, September, and the postseason. While the anticipation for his return builds, the priority remains clear: ensuring long-term success over short-term results.