Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
QUEENS, NY — Gerrit Cole will likely need one more minor-league rehab start before rejoining the New York Yankees’ rotation for the first time since 2024.
The veteran right-hander threw 86 pitches over 5.1 innings on Saturday night in his latest outing with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, allowing one run on six hits with six strikeouts and a walk. His fastball nearly touched 100 mph in another strong indication that his return is nigh.
Cole has not seen competitive action in two years, as he underwent Tommy John surgery in March of last year. His return comes while the Yankees reintroduced Carlos Rodon back into the fold after he recently completed his rehab from offseason elbow surgery, though Max Fried was placed on the 15-day IL with a left-elbow bone bruise.
“Obviously, Max going down is a tough blow, but also big picture, feel like he’s going to be good and get back to us at some point. So that’s encouraging,” Boone said. “Gerrit’s getting close and really like the way he’s looking right now, and feel like that’s going to be a welcome addition to our rotation.”
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