Yankees star Gerrit Cole’s second spring outing post-Tommy John surgery included a homer to Alex Bregman and a slight velocity dip, offering mixed signals as his late-May/early-June return target nears.
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took the mound for his second spring training appearance on Tuesday in Mesa, Arizona, allowing a solo home run to Alex Bregman and striking out three over 1 2/3 innings in an 8-3 win over the Chicago Cubs. The 35-year-old right-hander threw 26 pitches, 17 for strikes, and averaged 96.2 mph on his fastball—down from 97.1 mph in his first exhibition inning against Boston on March 18.
This outing is a pivotal checkpoint in Cole’s recovery from Tommy John surgery, which he underwent on March 11, 2025, with Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure, a detail documented by the Associated Press. His last official game action came in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series on October 30, a performance that helped secure a Yankees victory before his injury ultimately ended his season.
Cole’s 2024 campaign was already shortened by nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow, forcing his season debut to be delayed until June 19. Despite the limited 17-start workload, he compiled an 8-5 record with a 3.41 ERA. In the postseason, he elevated his game, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.17 ERA across five starts, including his World Series appearance.
The Yankees’ rehab protocol for Cole has been methodical. He threw his first bullpen session on February 13 and faced live hitters for the first time on February 20. His spring debut on March 18 was a scoreless inning, but Tuesday’s outing introduced new variables: a home run to Alex Bregman and a measurable drop in fastball velocity. Manager Aaron Boone has maintained a projection of late May or early June for Cole’s 2026 season debut, a timeline that remains intact despite these minor concerns.
Cole’s health is paramount to New York’s championship aspirations. He is signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028, a commitment underscored by his career 153-80 record and 3.18 ERA over 317 starts with Pittsburgh, Houston, and New York, as reported by the Associated Press. A full, dominant season from the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner transforms the Yankees’ rotation from solid to elite.
The slight velocity dip and the homer to Bregman are isolated data points in a much larger comeback narrative. However, in a sport where pitcher health is fragile, every pitch in March is scrutinized for hints of durability. The Yankees’ medical and coaching staffs will continue to monitor Cole’s workload, ensuring no setbacks as he builds toward a regular-season role that could define their year.
For now, Cole’s progress continues on a steady, if cautious, path. The combination of elite pedigree and high-stakes urgency makes each spring outing a significant event for a fanbase hungry for a return to October glory. The ultimate measure will be his effectiveness in the late innings of close games come June—and whether his arm holds up through a full postseason push.
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