The New York Yankees will receive key news for their rotation: star pitcher Gerrit Cole will make his season debut this Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, as confirmed by manager Aaron Boone.
Cole, 35, has not pitched in a major league game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025.
During his rehabilitation process, the right-hander played six games in the minor leagues and showed very positive signs. In his most recent outing he worked 5.1 innings, allowing just one run, in addition to reaching a top speed of 99.6 mph.
“Everything is going very well so far. It’s been a positive progression,” Cole said last Saturday about his recovery. “The pitch count continues to increase and both velocity and command have steadily improved.”
The American League Cy Young Award winner’s return in 2023 comes at an important time for New York, especially after Max Fried recently went on the 15-day disabled list with a bone bruise in his left elbow.
Rookie Elmer Rodriguez was initially scheduled to start Friday’s game, but was optioned to Triple-A on Monday, clearing the way for Cole’s expected return.
Throughout his 12-season MLB career, Gerrit Cole has been selected to the All-Star Game six times and continues to be one of the most important pieces in the Yankees’ championship aspirations.
