Gerrit Cole is scheduled to face a batter on Tuesday for the first time since early March.
The Yankees ace will try to overcome another hurdle to get healthy again. This is usually a major step prior to minor league rehab assignments.
Aaron Boone said it will be “important” to face live batters again.
“This is another step to go out on a bump and face hitters,” the Yankees manager said Monday before a 5-4 loss to the Mariners in the Bronx. “I’m sure [there will be] There’s a bit of adrenaline that comes with it. ”
Cole made just one start in spring training on March 1 and was later suspended after being diagnosed with nerve inflammation and edema in his right elbow.
Cole didn’t pick up a baseball again until April, but he’s been stretching since then and had a 40-pitch bullpen session on Saturday.
During that session, Oswaldo Cabrera and Jamai Jones stepped into the batter’s box without swinging.
Boone said Cole essentially pitched the equivalent of two innings and bounced back well.
He will likely need to take a few rounds of live batting practice before beginning his minor league stint, but Tuesday marks another step toward a debut expected around late June or early July. right.
“We want to continue to progress and build on the good days,” Boone said.
Ian Hamilton, who returned home due to illness before Sunday’s game, was placed on the seven-day COVID-19 injured list.
In a corresponding move, the Yankees opted to sign left-hander Clayton Andrews from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and designated right-hander Colby White.
Andrews, a 5-foot-6 southpaw who was traded to the Brewers in February, posted a 6.60 ERA in 15 innings at SWB.
The 27-year-old was out shopping for groceries on what was supposed to be a holiday when he received a call from Railriders manager Shelley Duncan, but was unable to make it to the grocery store.
Andrews, who made his debut last season with Milwaukee, arrived at the park by Monday afternoon. He had never been to Yankee Stadium or New York City before.
Aaron Judge (2-for-4, one double, one walk) extended his hitting streak to eight games, marking a season-high 17 consecutive games.
Anthony Volpe (1 hit in 4 at bats, 1 hit by a pitch) extended his career-best hitting streak to 13 games.
Luke Weaver, who recorded the final two outs of the eighth inning, pitched 18 scoreless innings. His ERA dropped to 2.20.
Once DJ LeMahieu returns from injury rehab, which is expected to last at least through Sunday, he will spend the “vast majority” of his playing time at third base, Boone said.
John Barty and Cabrera have been platooning and sharing time in the hot corner, but Bertie made his third straight start on Monday, going 1-for-4 with an RBI.
