Gerrit Cole took a big step in his restoration from Tommy John surgical procedure on Monday, because the Yankees’ sidelined ace started his throwing program.
The pitcher, now sporting a throwback mustache on his higher lip and scar throughout his proper elbow, made 20 throws off flat floor earlier than the Yankees kicked off a three-game sequence with the Twins. Cole mentioned the session went properly, and he was happy with himself for being “fairly accurate.”
“I’d been building up to it for a few weeks,” he continued, “so it was nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”
Aaron Boone, in the meantime, mentioned that he was “excited” for the 2023 American League Cy Younger, who wanted his ulnar collateral ligament reconstructed — with the help of an inside brace — again in March.
“He’s done a good job with rehab,” Boone mentioned, “and this is one of those cool markers along the way that you know is significant to hit.”
Now that he’s made his first throws, Cole isn’t precisely certain what his upcoming rehab schedule appears to be like like. He mentioned his preliminary development will take “a few months,” although.
“We’re right at the beginning of it, and there’s no rush,” mentioned the veteran, who won’t pitch once more this season.
Cole mentioned his subsequent large step is to get off the mound. As soon as he does that just a few occasions, he’ll shut down earlier than embarking on what he expects to be a “relatively” regular offseason.
The 34-year-old added that his rehab will transfer to his native California within the winter.
Again in Might, Cole didn’t utterly rule out beginning the 2026 season on time, however he additionally mentioned he was anticipating a 14-month restoration, even with the brace. That will put him on observe for a late-Might or June return subsequent 12 months.
With that in thoughts, the Yankees are anticipated to be with out two of their prime starters firstly of the 2026 season. Clarke Schmidt additionally underwent Tommy John surgical procedure final month; he hopes to return after the 2026 All-Star break.
Reliever Jake Cousins additionally underwent Tommy John surgical procedure this season. He had the operation in June.
Initially Printed: August 11, 2025 at 5:55 PM EDT
