Gerrit Cole hits 96 mph in first rehab start amid return from Tommy John surgery
TL;DR
Gerrit Cole made his first rehab start for the Somerset Patriots after Tommy John surgery, hitting 96 mph in the first inning. He pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 3 earned runs.
Key points
- Gerrit Cole began his rehab assignment
- He pitched for the Somerset Patriots
- Cole hit 96 mph in the first inning
- He threw 4 1/3 innings
- Cole allowed 3 hits and 3 earned runs
Mentioned in this story
Gerrit Cole is on his way back to the Yankees.
(Chris Coduto via Getty Images)
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole officially began his rehab assignment on Friday, making his first start since undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2025.
Suiting up for the Somerset Patriots, the Yankeesâ Double-A affiliate, Cole threw 4 1/3 innings with 3 hits allowed, 3 earned runs, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts on 44 pitches. While pitch-by-pitch data isnât available online, he reportedly hit 96 mph in the first inning.
He was also throwing quite a curveball.
Coleâs trouble came in the second inning, when he walked a batter then allowed an RBI double to Dylan Campbell and homer to Bryson Ware on back-to-back batters.
Per MLB.com, Cole has been moving smoothly through rehab this year, with two short starts in spring training. His side session on Wednesday went well enough the Yankees decided to start the rehab assignment clock, which dictates that a player must be added back to the MLB roster within 30 days of the start of his rehab assignment. Tommy John patients may also receive three 10-day extensions.
Cole is reportedly forecasted for a return in June, though he seemed happy with where he was earlier this week:
âI have no complaints,â Cole said on Monday. âThe stamina was good. The pitches are fine right now. Theyâre good. Iâm a little nitpicky, but everything is good.â
Without Cole, the Yankees are off to an 11-9 start after a 4-2 win over the Kansas City Royals on Friday. When Cole is healthy, they will be expecting to have one of the best pitchers in baseball back in a rotation currently headlined by Max Fried and Cam Schlittler.
Q&A
What were Gerrit Cole's stats in his first rehab start?
In his first rehab start, Gerrit Cole pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, and recording 3 strikeouts.
How fast did Gerrit Cole pitch in his rehab start?
Gerrit Cole reportedly hit 96 mph in the first inning of his rehab start.
When did Gerrit Cole undergo Tommy John surgery?
Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in early 2025.
