Gerrit Cole Injury Update: Yankees Pitcher Eyes Return to Majors After Standing Ovation in Double-A
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is eyeing a return to the major leagues after throwing a bullpen session on Saturday and receiving a standing ovation during a Double-A rehab start.
Injury Update
Cole went on the injured list on June 10 with a right lat strain. He missed approximately four weeks with the injury but has been making progress in his rehab. On Saturday, Cole threw 50 pitches in a simulated game at the Yankees’ training complex in Tampa, Florida. The 31-year-old reported no setbacks after the session.
Rehab Start
Cole made a rehab start for the Hudson Valley Renegades, the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, on Sunday. He allowed one run on three hits in three innings, striking out five batters. After the game, Cole was given a standing ovation by the crowd. He said that the ovation was “awesome” and that it gave him “chills.”
Return to Majors
Cole is scheduled to make another rehab start for the Renegades on Wednesday. If all goes well, he could return to the Yankees’ rotation as early as next week. Cole has been one of the Yankees’ most consistent pitchers in recent years. He was named an All-Star in 2021 and finished the season with a 3.23 ERA and 293 strikeouts. The Yankees have struggled in Cole’s absence, going 18-27 without their ace. His return would be a major boost to a team that is looking to make a push for the playoffs.
Optimistic Outlook
Cole sounded optimistic about his return after Sunday’s rehab start. He said that he felt “strong” and that he is “ready to get back on the mound for the Yankees.” “It’s been a tough few weeks, but I’m just glad to be back out there pitching,” Cole said. “I’m excited to get back to the majors and help my team win.” If Cole can stay healthy, he has the potential to be one of the best pitchers in baseball again. He is a Cy Young Award winner and has a career ERA of 3.26. The Yankees are counting on Cole to lead their rotation and help them make a deep run into the playoffs. His return would be a major step forward for a team that has been struggling in recent weeks.
Gerrit Cole Injury Update: Yankees Pitcher’s Eyes Return to the Majors After Standing Ovation During Double-A Game
New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to return to the majors after a successful rehab assignment in Double-A. Cole last pitched for the Yankees on June 25th before going on the injured list with a right hamstring strain. He made two rehab starts in Double-A, allowing one run on three hits in 3.2 innings. On Wednesday, Cole threw a bullpen session at Yankee Stadium and said he felt “great.” He is scheduled to start for the Yankees on Saturday against the Chicago White Sox. Cole’s return is a big boost for the Yankees, who are currently in a tight race for the AL East title. The Yankees are 6-3 in their last nine games and trail the Tampa Bay Rays by just one game. Cole has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, going 9-2 with a 3.09 ERA in 15 starts. He is a leading candidate for the AL Cy Young Award.