Yankees get great news about their former Cy Young Award winning pitcher

The New York Yankees just received the kind of news that can shift the trajectory of a season. Former Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole is officially set to begin his rehab assignment Friday night at the Double-A level, with expectations that he’ll throw around 45 pitches. For a Yankees team that has been navigating early-season inconsistency, this is a massive development. Cole has been one of the best pitchers in MLB over the past 8 years and led the Yankees staff in their American League championship season in 2024.

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A Step Toward a Full Return

Conclusion

Rehab assignments are more than just procedural; they’re the final checkpoint before a return to the majors. For Cole, this outing represents a critical step in building back arm strength, refining command, and preparing to rejoin the rotation. The pitch count suggests a controlled ramp-up, but it’s still a clear sign that he’s trending in the right direction.

Let’s not overcomplicate it. Cole is the anchor. When healthy, he’s not just the Yankees best pitcher, he’s one of the most dominant arms in Major League Baseball. He sets the tone for the entire rotation, eats innings, and gives the team a chance to win every time he takes the mound. His presence alone changes expectations.

A Rotation That Needs Him

The Yankees rotation has been solid overall this season, but it hasn’t been complete. Without Cole, there has been added pressure on the rest of the staff to carry the load. While some arms have stepped up, there’s no true replacement for what Cole brings at the top.

Getting him back doesn’t just add another starter—it reshapes the entire rotation. Will Warren, , and all have potential, but none can bring the dominance that Cole can.