On Tuesday, New York Yankees starting pitching Gerrit Cole took a major step in his return to the team. He made his first rehab start with Double-A Somerset, throwing 45 pitches over 3.1 scoreless innings.
Most importantly, Gerrit Cole felt fine the following day. His issues arose originally in Spring Training when he wasn’t bouncing back well in between outings. The New York Yankees decided to shut him down and he has been resting and rehabbing since.
“We’ll take it start by start, just like we have the whole time,” Cole said. “It was a good day yesterday, so very encouraged.”
On Wednesday, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an update on when the reigning Cy Young award winner could be back with the major league team. It will be a little while longer, as Cole will make at least two more rehab starts.
“At least a couple more,” Boone said Wednesday. “I don’t know how many. Is that two? Is it three?”
Neither Boone or Gerrit Cole were willing to put an exact date on when those outings will come. If he continues on the normal four-day rest in between starts, June 14th would be the second start, hypothetically putting him on track for a return against the Baltimore Orioles between June 18th and 20th.
Tuesday was the first time that Gerrit Cole pitched in a game since March 1st. That is when he made his first and only Spring Training appearance this year. Nerve inflammation and edema were what he was diagnosed with.
It would not be surprising to see the New York Yankees hold Cole down in the minor leagues for extra rehab starts. The team is playing at a high level and can afford to wait. If a third rehab start means he can have a leash of 90+ pitches when he returns to the major leagues, it is worthwhile to wait.
In Cole’s place, the New York Yankees have received incredible production from Luis Gil. Gil’s spot in the rotation is safe now upon Gerrit Cole’s return after Clarke Schmidt landed on the injured list with a multi-week ailment.
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