Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' ace pitcher, will require "several more" rehab outings before rejoining the team's rotation, according to manager Aaron Boone. Cole made his first rehab start on Friday for Double-A Somerset, pitching 4⅓ innings and allowing three runs on three hits. He threw 36 of 44 pitches for strikes, touching 96 mph with his fastball and working on his changeup against a left-handed-heavy lineup.
Cole's recovery timeline remains fluid, with Boone offering no specific number of starts or pitches planned for his upcoming appearances.
While Cole pitched effectively, striking out three and walking one, his return date is now less certain. The Yankees, currently performing well without their injured starters, appear to be prioritizing caution.
Carlos Rodón, another key pitcher recovering from elbow surgery, is slated to begin his own rehab assignment next week, provided he experiences no setbacks. Despite starting his rehab later than Cole, Rodón might return to the Yankees before him. Initial projections had Cole potentially returning by early June, but this latest update suggests a later timeline.
Read More: Rabbitohs Beat Dragons 30-12 in NRL Round 7 Match
Cole expressed satisfaction with his rehab start, noting "just a lot of strike throwing and pretty solid delivery overall." He is aiming for continued progress in subsequent appearances. His performance history with the Yankees includes a 3.12 ERA and a 915/185 K/BB ratio over five years.
