The New York Yankees could have a former Cy Young Award winner back in their rotation soon.
Right-hander Gerrit Cole made a few one-inning outings during spring training, but the Yankees knew he wouldn’t make a full return until late May or early June. Cole was out for the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the 35-year-old will make his first rehab start of the season this Friday for Double-A Somerset.
“I have no complaints,” Cole told Hoch on Monday after he threw a bullpen. “The stamina was good. The pitches are fine right now. They’re good. I’m a little nitpicky, but everything is good.”
During live batting practice in February, Cole hit 97 mph on the radar gun, a good sign for him and the Yankees. Even with a few rehab starts, it should take a while before his pitch count is built up.
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Shortstop Anthony Volpe, rehabbing from offseason surgery for a partially torn labrum, is also with Double-A Somerset.
Hoch reports that left-hander Carlos Rodon, who underwent an offseason procedure to remove loose bodies from his throwing elbow, will throw a live batting practice session on Friday.