Gerrit Cole of the Yankees reveals adjusted pitching technique in first spring practice session

TAMPA — Gerrit Cole’s Windup Gets a Revamp

When Gerrit Cole steps back on the major league mound, he’s making some noticeable changes to his windup.

In his first bullpen session of spring training, Cole introduced a new technique where he lifts his hands above his head, as opposed to the closer position he used before undergoing Tommy John surgery last March.

“It just felt good,” he remarked about the change. “I experimented with it over the summer while throwing casually. I’ve got some little quirks that evolve over time, like how I position my hands. I think I prefer the overall rhythm now.”

Cole has always been recognized for his straightforward and consistent delivery, which has contributed to keeping his right arm in shape until he eventually needed elbow surgery last year.

On Friday, the 35-year-old displayed a smooth windup.

“When you think of Gerrit and his excellence, a lot hinges on his outstanding performance,” manager Aaron Boone said. “That still holds true. Everything seems free and easy for him; he has great command. He appears to be in a really good spot.”

It was an impressive sight, according to Boone, who likened Cole’s poise on the mound to a diver gracefully entering water without causing a splash. “That’s Gerrit,” he said. “He’s incredibly talented.”

In other news, the Yankees have invited veteran reliever Rafael Montero to join major league camp after he signed a minor league contract for bullpen competition.

The 35-year-old had a 4.48 ERA over 59 games last season but performed better with a 2.86 ERA in his last 20 games for the Tigers.

“There were aspects of his performance last year that we were impressed with,” Boone noted. “We might be able to tweak a few things to help him improve. Hopefully, he can earn his spot in the competition.”

Additionally, Cam Schrittler participated in catch drills again on Friday; however, the Yankees are having him pitch flat due to inflammation in his mid-back and left latissimus dorsi.

“I haven’t received a final update on him yet, but he’s taking it in stride, saying it’s ‘no big deal,'” Boone commented. “I’m optimistic that this will only be a temporary setback and help him get stronger overall. We’ll see how things progress in the next day or so regarding when he returns to the mound, but hopefully soon.”