For Gerrit Cole, the waiting has been the hardest part.
Now that spring training is here, Cole is that much closer to returning to big league action for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025. Still, the New York Yankees right-hander remains a longshot to be with the team on Opening Day.
During a recent in-game interview with YES Network, Cole discussed the most difficult part of his rehab.
“The challenge of trying to take it day by day, not look too far ahead, and just kind of keep an even keel demeanor,” Cole said. “It’s a very long process, and you just kind of go through ebbs and flows and that, you know, from each progression to cast, brace, throwing. … The challenge, unfortunately, remains the same to just, you know, flush it after this in a little bit, and just get after the next day’s task.”
How is Gerrit Cole Progressing in His Rehab?
Cole, 35, missed the entire 2025 season following surgery but has already checked off several boxes in his recovery. His latest benchmark came Friday when he threw 30 pitches in a two-inning simulated game. The six-time All-Star and former Cy Young winner was clocked at 97.5 mph.
While it represents significant progress, the ultra-competitive Cole is proceeding with caution.
“I thought it was pretty good,” Cole said of his latest throwing session. “I thought command was pretty good, my pitches are progressing in the right direction, both shapes and velocity and command. I got to stretch it out a bit and (go two innings), which was a nice next step. It felt really good.”
When Will Gerrit Cole Return?
At some point, perhaps sometime soon, Cole will be back on the mound when it counts. How effective he’ll be remains uncertain.
In 2024, his last full season, Cole went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts over 17 starts. He made another five appearances that postseason, recording a 2.17 ERA across 29 innings.
Cole is one of several question marks in the Yankees’ rotation, joining Carlos Rodon and Clark Schmidt, who are also rehabbing from surgeries. All three are expected to rejoin the staff sometime after Opening Day.
In the meantime, the Yankees’ rotation consists of Cam Schlittler, Ryan Weathers, Will Warren and Luis Gil behind ace Max Fried.
Yankees Pitcher Gerrit Cole Gets Honest About Rehab Process During Spring Training