The First Step Toward a Major League Return
New York Yankees pitching ace Gerrit Cole has taken a pivotal step in his return to the mound, appearing in his first official rehab start since undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier in 2025. Representing the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, Cole delivered 4 1/3 innings of work on Friday.
During his appearance, the right-hander surrendered three hits and three earned runs, while recording three strikeouts and issuing one walk across a 44-pitch outing. Notably, reports indicate that Cole’s fastball reached 96 mph during the opening frame, and he displayed an effective curveball throughout the game.
Evaluating the Outing
The veteran pitcher encountered his toughest stretch during the second inning. Following a walk, he conceded an RBI double to Dylan Campbell, immediately followed by a home run from Bryson Ware. Despite these setbacks, the organization remains focused on his overall progression and arm health.
According to updates provided by MLB.com, Cole has advanced steadily through his rehabilitation process, which included a pair of brief appearances during spring training. Following a successful bullpen session on Wednesday, the Yankees initiated his official 30-day rehab window. Per league rules, a player must be reinstated to the MLB roster within this timeframe, though extensions are available for those recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Looking Ahead
While industry projections point toward a return to the major leagues in June, Cole expressed satisfaction with his physical condition earlier this week. Reflecting on his progress, he remarked:
«I have no complaints. The stamina was good. The pitches are fine right now. They’re good. I’m a little nit-picky, but everything is good.»
The Yankees currently hold an 11-9 record following their recent victory over the Kansas City Royals. The team is eager to bolster their pitching rotation—currently led by Max Fried and Cam Schlittler—with the return of one of the sport's most dominant arms.