Gerrit Cole’s Recovery Update

Gerrit Cole appears to be making good progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he had back in March. A video he shared on Instagram Stories shows him throwing strikes from the mound in the Yankees’ bullpen.

He started his pitching program in August, beginning with 20 pitches from flat ground. While he likely won’t be ready for Opening Day, this development is still an encouraging sign for the Yankees and their ace.

Cole, set to turn 36 during the 2026 season, only participated in two spring training games last year before needing UCL surgery on March 11. As a result, the Yankees spent the entire last season, which ended with his absence during the ALDS, without the 2023 Cy Young Award winner or six-time All-Star.

The Yankees faced additional pitching challenges, with reigning Rookie of the Year Lewis Gil not making his first pitch until August, and Clark Schmidt undergoing Tommy John surgery on July 11. Schmidt isn’t expected back until after next season’s All-Star break, and general manager Brian Cashman thinks Carlos Rodon may return in April or early May after surgery to address a loose body and bone spur in his left elbow.

Cole’s comeback is pivotal for the Yankees’ pitching plans for next year. Although he had a difficult 2024 season, with only 17 starts and a 3.41 ERA, his return could provide a solid one-two punch alongside Max Fried. If everyone is healthy, Rodon, Gil, Schmidt, and promising young pitcher Cam Schlitler could also fill the final rotation spot.

Reflecting on his progress, Cole mentioned, “I was pretty accurate and had a good time.” He noted that throwing on that initial day felt significant, adding that they had been preparing for it over the past few weeks.

While there are still many hurdles before Cole returns to the Yankee Stadium mound, the signs he’s showing are quite promising amidst what could be a challenging recovery.