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MLBInjury Update
Yankees could make Gerrit Cole decision sooner than most fans realize
TL;DR
The New York Yankees may decide on Gerrit Cole's return sooner than expected, as he is eligible to play after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Cole has been cleared for minor-league games but will likely undergo a gradual buildup before rejoining the team.
Key points
- Gerrit Cole hasn't pitched since 2025.
- He is eligible to return from the 15-day IL.
- Cole has been cleared for minor-league games.
- Yankees aim for a gradual buildup in his recovery.
- Rushing his return could lead to further injury.
New York YankeesGerrit Cole
Yankees could make Gerrit Cole decision sooner than most fans realize originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees could use Gerrit Cole back in the near future, as the right-hander hasn't thrown in a game in a very long time now. Cole missed the entire 2025 campaign and has obviously yet to pitch during 2026.
It's a tough situation for the Yankees to be in, but considering how long Cole has already been out, there's absolutely no reason to rush any of this. The last thing the Yankees can do is rush him back and end up losing him again.
Technically, Cole can return at any moment right now, but the expectation is for the Yankees to build him up and give him all the time he needs.
āCole has built up to three innings (42 pitches) while pitching in sim games, and he's now been given the green light to begin playing in minor-league games. Because he's on the 15-day IL, the 35-year-old righty will be eligible to return at any moment, but the Yankees will presumably look to slowly build him up over the course of several rehab outings while he finishes up his recovery from Tommy John surgery,ā Roto Wire wrote.
It's tough to get a feel for how many rehab outings we will see from Cole, but I expect we'll see at least two or three. Even if he comes out and throws the baseball at a very high level, the Yankees will want to raise his pitch count and whatnot before putting him back on a Major League mound.
More MLB news:
Q&A
When can Gerrit Cole return to the Yankees after his surgery?
Gerrit Cole is eligible to return at any moment since he is on the 15-day IL, but the Yankees are expected to take their time with his recovery.
What is Gerrit Cole's current status with the Yankees?
Gerrit Cole has built up to three innings in simulated games and has been cleared to start playing in minor-league games as part of his rehabilitation.
Why are the Yankees cautious about Gerrit Cole's return?
The Yankees are cautious to avoid rushing Cole back into play, as he missed the entire 2025 season and is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
