Gerrit Cole Progresses in Recovery After Tommy John Surgery
Yankees ace Gerrit Cole has taken a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. The pitcher threw 20 pitches from flat ground on Monday, marking a major milestone in his rehabilitation.Cole began his throwing program five months after undergoing surgery with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the Dodgers’ team physician, who placed an internal brace in his elbow. The normal rehabilitation time is approximately 14 months, and Cole has been preparing to throw from flat ground for the past few weeks. The pitcher anticipates that his initial progress will last a few months before he can throw from the mound, after which he will take a break and expects a normal offseason.“It felt really good today,” Cole commented before the start of the three-game series against the Twins at Yankee Stadium. “I was pretty accurate and had a good time.”
Gerrit Cole
Cole, 34, has a career record of 153-80 with an ERA of 3.18 in 317 starts. After surgery, his arm was initially in a cast and then in a brace, which was removed in mid-April. Since then, Cole has been undergoing rehabilitation sessions of between 90 minutes and two hours. The pitcher has pitched 1,954 innings in 12 seasons in the Major Leagues, in addition to 133⅔ innings in 22 postseason starts. His procedure involved the reconstruction of the ligament with an internal brace, designed to promote stability. Cole has a nine-year, $324 million contract that runs through 2028 and has been present in the dugout during home games. He also participated in a YES Network broadcast during some innings of a game against the Angels on June 17.“It’s a great day, the first day of launch,” Cole said. “I’ve been preparing for this for a few weeks. It’s good to get out there and get it done, and have everything go well.”
Gerrit Cole
Cole’s debut in the 2024 season was delayed until June 19 due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. In 17 starts with the Yankees, he had an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA, and in five postseason starts, his record was 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA. Cole was tested after allowing a couple of home runs in his second spring training start this year, against Minnesota on March 6.“Excited for him,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s done a good job with the rehab and this is one of those important milestones along the way. I’m really excited for him.”
Aaron Boone
