Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace pitcher, took a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery by making 20 throws on flat ground at Yankee Stadium before Monday’s game against the Minnesota Twins. The brief session marked the official start of Cole’s throwing program as he works toward returning to Major League Baseball early in the 2026 season.
“It’s a big one, the first day throwing,” Cole said. “I’ve been building up to it for a few weeks, so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”
Cole had not thrown since March 6 after experiencing an inability to lift his arm following an exhibition outing. He underwent surgery on March 11 in Los Angeles with Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the procedure, which included inserting an internal brace designed to protect his arm during recovery and reduce risk of reinjury or setbacks over the next year.
Cole is aiming for a 14-month rehabilitation timeline, which would set his potential return around mid-May of next year.
“I’m excited for him,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s done a good job with rehab, and this is one of those cool markers along the way that is significant to hit.”
By year-end, Cole expects to pitch from a mound again before transitioning into offseason training near his home in California.
“We have a good setup in California and good communication; I can upload my throwing program to the platform, so we’ll pretty much talk every day,” Cole said.
While continuing his rehab process, Cole remains engaged with team developments as the Yankees seek to rebound from losing three straight series heading into Monday’s game. He noted rookie right-hander Will Warren’s growth as an example of progress within the team.
“His ability to keep adjusting and stay really even-keeled through some of the good outings, some of the less than desirable outings,” Cole said. “He’s learning every step of the way. The last outing [at Texas on Aug. 5] was pretty good for him; bend, don’t break.
“I think he’s working on trying to figure out how he can be just a little bit more efficient and get deeper in the ballgame – kind of like we all are right now.”
