Manager Aaron Boone said Gerrit Cole played catch on Friday, but the right-hander’s next real test is expected to be Saturday, when the Yankees ace takes the mound for the first time since being sidelined with elbow inflammation. He said he was planning to get off the train. March.
“This is a step,” Boone said Friday before the Yankees opened their series against the Tigers in the Bronx. “[The rehab has] It’s worked fine so far. Build-up and different levels of throwing, so far so good. [Throwing] It’s another step to get off the mound.”
As has been the case throughout Cole’s rehab period, the Yankees declined to put a timetable on when he could make his season debut, but starting pitchers typically need six to eight weeks to strengthen during spring training. And that would apply. Cole, he’s been out of action for a long time.
And, as Coach Boone acknowledged, most starting pitchers enter camp having already been in a pitching program, but Cole is still new to that program.
The earliest Cole would be eligible to come off the 60-day injured list is May 27, but mid-June or July seems like a more reasonable timeline.
The Yankees have weathered Cole’s absence quite well thus far.
Their rotation entered Friday ranked eighth in the majors in earned run average (3.48) and fourth in innings pitched.
John Barty, who last played for the Yankees on April 10, could return to action Saturday after straining a muscle in his left groin, Boone said.
He completed his rehabilitation stint at Double-A Somerset on Thursday and worked out at the stadium on Friday.
“I got some at-bats and timing back, so hopefully that works out here,” Berti said.
Manager Boone said he plans to use Berti, who has played in all six games for the Yankees, not only as a third baseman, but also as a substitute shortstop or outfielder.
“He’s coming off a really strong year,” Boone said of Berti, acquired from the Marlins in March as part of a three-team trade with Tampa Bay. Miami.
“[Berti] He brings speed to the game and real defensive versatility, which is always welcome,” Boone said. “He will play.”
Without Berti, Oswaldo Cabrera was the regular third baseman for the Yankees, who got off to a strong start to the season but found themselves in a rut.
He was just 9-for-49 in his last 13 games entering Friday, with an OPS of .461 in that span.
Additionally, DJ LeMahieu (foot) participated in baseball activities at the stadium on Friday, but Boone pointed out that he has not yet started hitting since his recovery failed.
LeMahieu has been out all season except for a shortened rehab appearance about two weeks ago, so Boone said it’s unclear how many rehab games he’ll need before making his season debut.
The two right-handed pitchers are trending back to the bullpen, with Nick Vardy (hip) scheduled to pitch in a rehab game against Somerset on Sunday and Tommy Kahnle (shoulder inflammation) scheduled to face live batters over the weekend. is. The rehabilitation period will begin as early as next week.
