Those footsteps Yankees fans are hearing belong to their former Cy Young Award winner, Gerrit Cole.
Mar 24, 2026; Mesa, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole against the Chicago Cubs during spring training at Sloan Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe right-handed ace will officially begin his rehab assignment on Friday with Double-A Somerset, as his return from a near-14-month absence after undergoing Tommy John surgery last March is nearing its end.
The 35-year-old recently threw 42 pitches over three simulated innings in Hudson Valley on Sunday. After feeling satisfied with his stuff and, more importantly, feeling OK in the following days, he threw a side session on Wednesday before the Yankees made the call to send him to Somerset. “I have no complaints,” Cole said earlier this week. “Stamina was good, pitches are fine. They’re good. I’m being a little nitpicky, but everything’s good.” This is not to suggest that his return will be immediate. Cole will have to get through a number of rehab starts and properly build up to a full starter’s workload before getting the green light to get back to the majors. He is projected to throw 45 pitches on Friday. Because a pitcher’s rehab assignment cannot last more than 30 days, though, there is hope that he will be able to make his 2026 season debut in mid-May. This will be the first time that the Yankees will have their star fully healthy in nearly two years. Cole was limited to just 17 starts in 2024, one year after his AL Cy Young Award win, because of a nerve issue in his elbow. The following spring training, he tore his UCL just weeks before the start of the 2025 season. New York’s rotation is also without Carlos Rodon as he continues his rehab from offseason elbow surgery. The southpaw is expected to throw a live batting practice session on Saturday, but there are no plans for a rehab assignment yet.The brilliance of Cam Schlittler and Max Fried has paved the way for the Yankees’ rotation to succeed in the early portions of this season without Cole or Rodon. Their starters have combined for a 3.12 ERA entering Thursday’s series finale against the Los Angeles Angels, which ranksJoe Pantorno has been the executive sports editor of amNewYork since 2020. He covers the New York Mets and is a member of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America . He is also a member of the Pro Hockey Writers’ Association and has covered the New York Islanders for nearly a decade. His previous stops include Bleacher Report and Metro New York, while his work has been featured in the New York Post, Newsday, and Yahoo! Sports.Yankees’ Gerrit Cole to start Wednesday in first game action since Tommy John surgery‘Asking for a chance’: Locals skeptical of Pacha New York’s promises to address safety, sound at former Brooklyn Mirageat Knicks, Rangers gamesUnholy heist: Ex-board member of Manhattan church nabbed for pilfering nearly $4 million in donations‘Upsetting’: Tisch places two NYPD cops on modified duty after viral video of Brooklyn liquor store beating
Gerrit Cole Injury Gerrit Cole News Yankees
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Yankees Snap Losing Streak, Rely on Offense Amidst Bullpen Concerns and Volpe's RehabThe New York Yankees secured a narrow victory over the Los Angeles Angels, ending a five-game losing streak. Despite the offensive firepower from Judge and Grisham, the team's bullpen struggles were evident. With reliever Yerry de los Santos recalled and Anthony Volpe beginning a rehab assignment, the Yankees are seeking solutions to address their pitching and lineup issues.
Read more »
J. Cole’s Chinese Basketball Association Stint Cut Short By Visa IssuesJ. Cole played one game in the Chinese Basketball Association before having to leave due to visa issues.
Read more »
HBO's 18-Part Fantasy Series With Stellar RT Score Returns In Two Months & The Time To Binge It Is NowCriston Cole in armor looking up in House of the Dragon season 2
Read more »
Yankees sit red-hot Ben Rice again so he can play other 'major' roleAaron Boone insists there is a method to what much of the fanbase sees as madness.
Read more »
Trout homers for 3rd time in 2 games as Angels go deep 5 times, beat Yankees 7-1The Los Angeles Angels beat the New York Yankees 7-1 on Tuesday night.
Read more »
Yankees' Gerrit Cole to take next big recovery step with rehab startThe next step for Gerrit Cole: actual games that are expected to lead to his season debut.
Read more »