TAMPA, Fla. – New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set for his spring training debut, marking another step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his elbow. Cole is scheduled to start as the opener on Wednesday in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox at Steinbrenner Field. The 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner pitched in two spring training games last year before the surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season.
Cole threw a 35-pitch bullpen session on Thursday and has reached 97.5 mph with his fastball, in addition to throwing breaking pitches. Boone reiterated the Yankees’ plan for the 35-year-old pitcher to make his season debut in late May or early June. Cole’s last official appearance was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.It’s definitely exciting. Obviously, I think everyone has been excited about how good he’s looked. The fact that he’s now playing a game indicates where he’s at and how well he’s doing.
Aaron Boone, manager
Cole threw his first spring training bullpen session on February 13 and, a week later, faced hitters for the first time since surgery. The Yankees didn’t know when they would arrive in Florida if Cole would appear in a game. Cole missed the start of the 2024 season due to elbow issues and was limited to 17 starts after making at least 30 starts and winning at least 13 games in each of the previous three seasons with the Yankees. The six-time All-Star has altered his windup, putting his hands on his head. Before getting injured, Cole would stop at his chest.I don’t necessarily want people to think we’re rushing this or anything like that. That’s not the case. He’s just ready to do this, he’s been in batting practice, and therefore it will be good to see him out there for an inning starting a game and seeing our ace out there.
Aaron Boone, manager
