What To Expect From Gerrit Cole's MLB Return In Spring Training
- Dominic Konareski
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Gerrit Cole is set to make his first game appearance since Tommy John surgery. On Wednesday, March 17th, Cole will take the mound and start against the Boston Red Sox as spring training continues to wrap up. Cole will pitch just the first inning, but his return does not mean he is quite ready to be back in New York’s starting five.
The Yankees expect Cole can return to the rotation as soon as the start of June, which may be one of the most important storylines this season for the Bronx squad. New York is bringing back 24 of 26 players from their ALDS roster, a sign from the front office that they believe it is World Series capable.
Throughout 2025, the Yankees starting rotation battled injuries and with Cole missing out on the entire season, Yankee fans are very eager to see his return. The former AL Cy Young winner has posted a 3.12 ERA with New York in five seasons and 125 games, notching 59 wins in pinstripes which ranks 47th all-time in Yankees franchise history.
Expectations for Gerrit Cole should be low. One inning, (hopefully) three batters and the fact that he only pitched in 17 games in 2024 before missing all of ‘25. This start is a big step in the right direction, but expecting to see a dominant Cole appearance is likely out of the equation.
Nonetheless, having Cole back on the mound is huge for the Yankees and his June ETA of return will have him come back right as New York hits the summer months, which proved to be division-altering just a season ago.
Comments