Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole Nears MLB Return After Strong Rehab Start
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is nearing a return to Major League Baseball following a successful rehabilitation start with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Recovering from reconstructive elbow surgery, Cole demonstrated elite velocity, reaching 99.6 mph, while pitching 5.1 innings and allowing only one run. Manager Aaron Boone confirmed that Cole likely requires one or two additional minor league starts before rejoining the major league rotation, targeting a potential return by late May 2026. The team remains cautious despite roster injuries, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate needs.
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Gerrit Cole Strikes Out Six in Rehab Start for SWB Railriders
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole continued his recovery from Tommy John surgery with a strong performance during a minor league rehabilitation assignment on Saturday night. Pitching for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders in Moosic, Lackawanna County, Cole threw 5.1 innings against the Syracuse Mets. He recorded six strikeouts and allowed only one run while delivering 86 pitches, 56 of which were strikes. His fastball reached a top speed of 99.6 MPH, indicating good physical condition despite the long layoff since his surgery in March 2025. Although the Railriders lost the game 6-2, Cole's individual performance was a positive step in his return to major league baseball. This marked his sixth rehab start. According to reports, the 2023 Cy Young Award winner is expected to make one or two additional minor league appearances before being activated to the Yankees' major league roster. The Railriders are scheduled to play the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs later in the week.
yahoo sportsGerrit Cole Delivers Strong Rehab Start for RailRiders Ahead of Yankees Return
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took a significant step toward returning to the major leagues with a strong rehabilitation start for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders against the Syracuse Mets. Pitching at PNC Field in Moosic, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner threw 5.1 innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out six batters. Cole demonstrated impressive form, reaching a top velocity of 99.6 mph on his four-seam fastball and displaying effective command of his entire pitch repertoire. Although the RailRiders ultimately lost the game 6-2 in 10 innings, Cole’s individual performance was highly praised by both himself and RailRiders manager Shelley Duncan, who noted his aggression and precision. This outing marks continued progress in Cole’s recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery performed in March 2025. With his pitch count steadily increasing over recent starts, Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that Cole likely requires one more rehabilitation appearance before being activated to the major league roster. The event drew a crowd of 7,814, highlighting the high interest in the star pitcher's comeback trajectory.
yahoo sportsGerrit Cole Nears Return to Yankees After Strong Rehab Start
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is nearing his return to the major league roster after a successful sixth minor league rehabilitation start. Pitching for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Cole threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run while striking out six batters. Notably, his fastball velocity reached 99.6 mph, signaling a strong recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent in March 2025. The Yankees plan for Cole to make one additional rehab appearance before likely rejoining the starting rotation during the series against the Kansas City Royals between May 25 and 27. Manager Aaron Boone and General Manager Brian Cashman have expressed confidence in Cole's progress, noting that his command and physical condition are improving steadily. Cole's imminent return provides a significant boost to the Yankees' pitching depth, particularly as left-hander Max Fried recently landed on the injured list with an elbow issue. Despite some inconsistency from other starters like Carlos Rodón, the team remains optimistic about its rotation's strength heading into the postseason race. Cole emphasized his patience during the lengthy 17-month absence from big league competition.
MLB NewsGerrit Cole's Yankees Return Feels Imminent After Strong Rehab Outing
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has taken a significant step toward returning to Major League Baseball following an impressive rehabilitation start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In his first appearance at the Triple-A level, Cole threw 86 pitches over 5 1/3 innings, averaging 97 mph on his fastball and touching 99.6 mph. He allowed only one run on six hits while striking out six batters, demonstrating the elite velocity and command that defined his pre-injury performance. This outing comes roughly 14 months after Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025. With current rotation member Max Fried sidelined due to a bone bruise, the timing of Cole's recovery is critical for the Yankees. However, Manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the team will not rush the process, indicating Cole likely needs one or two more rehab starts before activation. This cautious approach aims to ensure Cole is fully prepared for the demands of the season and potential postseason play. If progress continues as planned, Cole could return to the major league roster before the end of May 2026, providing a substantial boost to the Yankees' pitching rotation during a challenging stretch of the season.
yahoo sportsGerrit Cole Delivers Solid Rehab Start for Yankees at Triple-A
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made significant progress in his recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery with a strong rehabilitation start for the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. Facing the Syracuse Mets, Cole pitched 5.1 innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out six batters. He threw a total of 86 pitches, 56 of which were strikes, demonstrating improved velocity with fastballs reaching up to 99.6 mph. This outing marks a continued upward trajectory in his rehab process, as his pitch count has steadily increased over his last five starts. Manager Shelley Duncan and catcher Ali Sánchez praised Cole's command, aggression, and the effective mix of his pitches, including his fastball, sinker, and breaking balls. Although initially expected to throw around 80 pitches, Cole was permitted to continue into the sixth inning before being removed after retiring two batters. The performance signals that Cole is nearing a return to the major league roster, having shown consistent improvement in strength, velocity, and recovery since his surgery in March 2025.
yahoo sportsGerrit Cole Hits 99.6 MPH in Rehab Start, Nears Yankees Return
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole demonstrated strong recovery progress during his sixth minor league rehabilitation start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre against the Syracuse Mets. On Saturday night, Cole threw 86 pitches over 5 1/3 innings, reaching 99.6 mph with his four-seam fastball and averaging 97 mph. He allowed one run on six hits while striking out six batters. This performance marks a significant milestone as he returns from reconstructive elbow surgery undergone in March of the previous year. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that Cole likely has one more minor league outing before rejoining the major league roster. Cole's current rehab statistics include a 4.71 ERA over 28 2/3 innings, with 28 strikeouts and only three walks. His return is anticipated to bolster the Yankees' rotation, which currently faces challenges with Max Fried sidelined due to a bone bruise. The team recently recalled Elmer Rodriguez to cover immediate needs. Cole, a six-time All-Star and 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, has been progressing through various minor league levels since his first rehab start in April.
yahoo sportsYankees Manager Aaron Boone Confirms Gerrit Cole Needs Two More Minor League Starts Before Return
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has confirmed that ace pitcher Gerrit Cole will require two additional minor league starts before rejoining the major league rotation. Speaking ahead of a series against the New York Mets, Boone emphasized a cautious approach to avoid rushing Cole back despite the team's recent struggles and mounting injury list. Cole is scheduled to pitch for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders against the Syracuse Mets, operating under a pitch count limit in the mid-80s. His return is anticipated before the end of May 2026. The Yankees are currently dealing with significant roster depletion, including Max Fried, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Dominguez, and Jose Caballero on the injured list. Having lost six of their last eight games, the team sits two games behind the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings. Boone stated that the organization prioritizes Cole's long-term health over short-term needs, refusing to bow to pressure to accelerate his return. This strategic patience aims to ensure Cole is fully ready to contribute effectively to the Yankees' playoff hopes without risking reaggravation of any underlying issues.
yahoo sportsYankees' Gerrit Cole Set for Rehab Start with RailRiders on Saturday
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is scheduled to make his next rehabilitation start for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders against the Syracuse Mets this Saturday at PNC Field in Moosic. The 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner is continuing his recovery from reconstructive elbow surgery performed last March. Cole has already completed five rehab assignments across Double-A Somerset and High Single-A Hudson Valley, gradually increasing his pitch count from 44 to 77 pitches in his most recent outing. During these 23.2 innings, he has recorded 22 strikeouts while allowing 15 runs. Yankees manager Aaron Boone indicated that Cole likely requires one or two additional rehab starts before returning to the major leagues, with an expected pitch count of around 80 for this Saturday's game. Cole has not pitched in the majors since October 2024, having missed the entire previous season due to injury. His career statistics include a 153-80 record and over 2,200 strikeouts, marking him as one of the fastest pitchers in MLB history to reach significant strikeout milestones.
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