Gerrit Cole’s Potential Return to Yankees’ Rotation

Gerrit Cole might soon rejoin the Yankees’ lineup after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

On Monday, Aaron Boone mentioned that Cole is “under consideration” to pitch in Friday’s game against the Rays in New York.

The right-handed pitcher had elbow surgery during spring training, which sidelined him for most of the previous year. This would mark his first appearance for the Yankees since the 2024 postseason.

Cole participated in six rehab starts within the minor leagues, with his latest outing at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday. He pitched 5 1/3 innings, throwing 84 pitches, allowed only one run, and even reached speeds of 99 mph.

Boone described Cole’s performance as reflective of being in excellent shape, noting that he pitched with heightened competition in mind, showing an eagerness to finish strong.

Earlier in the weekend, Boone suggested that rookie Elmer Rodriguez would likely make his fourth start for the Yankees. However, the team has since optioned the 22-year-old pitcher to SWB.

Reflecting on this decision, Boone stated it was due to the team’s need for additional arms in the bullpen following a challenging series against the Mets, leading to the call-up of right-handed reliever Yovany Cruz.

Without Rodriguez, the Yankees now face a need for a pitcher on Friday, making Cole a likely candidate, assuming he’s fit.

Boone further explained that the decision would involve discussions between Cole, the front office, and the coaching and training staff.

“We want to ensure we’re making the best choice,” Boone said. “What’s the right moment? Our approach is focused on the long-term perspective. It doesn’t just mean returning him to the rotation. Once we’re certain he’s ready and has met all criteria, I’ll reach out.”

A scout from the American League remarked after observing Cole’s recent games, “He looked like Gerrit Cole. I can’t see him starting again unless that’s what he wants, and it’s not likely he would. They could certainly use him.”

The Yankees managed pretty well without their top pitcher last season, clinching 94 wins overall, and have had a solid starting pitcher cadre lately.

However, the roster depth has been challenged, particularly given Max Fried’s recent bone bruise in his left elbow. As of Monday, the team had dropped seven of their last nine games.

Despite Cole’s absence, the Yankees have witnessed players like Cam Schlitzer emerging as a Cy Young contender, Will Warren stepping up as a dependable starter, and Ryan Weathers establishing himself effectively.

The start of the year was shaky for left-hander Carlos Rodon, who returned from offseason elbow surgery, but the Yankees remain confident that he’ll recover performance swiftly.

Now, the lingering question is how quickly Cole can return to his former ace level.

Cole won his first Cy Young Award in 2023 but had missed a significant portion of the first half of 2024 due to an elbow issue. His last major league appearance was in Game 5 of that season’s World Series, a loss for the Yankees. After undergoing UCL surgery in March of the next year, he was sidelined for the entire season.