The New York Yankees will need Gerrit Cole to come back healthier and stronger whenever he returns. In the spring training, the ace starting pitcher managed to play very few games before injuring his right elbow. It was a big scare for the hopes of the fans this year. After all, the NY side does not have another dependable hurler at the same level as Cole. Moreover, the fans can call the Bronx Bomber’s ace the best pitcher in baseball. On top of that, Cole had his career-best season last year. As a result, he deservingly won the American League Cy Young Award. However, Gerrit Cole’s career-best season came in the year when the Yankees had their worst season in the last 30 years.
Cole’s performance was the only bright side for the Bronx Bombers in 2023. But then the front office made some significant changes, and the team started to look much better on paper. However, to every Yankee fan’s surprise, the team had a brilliant start to the season. It is quite surprising to see the team managing well in the ongoing season so far without their ace pitcher. Lately, the Yankees ace starter seemed to recover well, but there is no certainty when he will return to the lineup.
Despite Recent Progress, The Return Date Is Still Uncertain For Gerrit Cole
During the later stage of spring training in 2024, Gerrit Cole hurt his right elbow. Due to inflammation in the elbow, the team doctors put him on the Injured List. Initially, the doctors said he might return to the lineup in one to two months. Lately, the report from the Yankees clubhouse is Cole has started to play catch. Currently, the rehab of the ace starting pitcher is going according to plans. The fact that he is progressing well sure has a positive impact on the team. But recently, the New York Post said Gerrit Cole is unaware of his schedule.
Since his rehab was going on schedule, he seemed to inch closer to his return. However, lately, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner mentioned that it is still very early to predict a potential return date. Apparently, there is still no clarity regarding the ace pitcher’s schedule. This week, it seems Gerrit Cole will have a couple more throwing sessions. Nevertheless, it sure seems like nice progress, as Cole began his throwing program only three weeks after his shutdown.
The Yankees Ace Might Stay Out For Another Six Weeks
Prior to the game between the Yankees and the Miami Marlins, Gerrit Cole pitched 25 light throws from 60 feet. Later, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner mentioned the session went really well. He said, “It felt good.” Anyhow, it seems Cole will stay out for another six weeks. That’s the minimum duration it will take his arm to rebuild before he can join the lineup. Nevertheless, the NY side is taking Cole’s progress as a positive impact.
After all, there was a point when it looked like Cole might undergo surgery. He was going through a period of UCL stress. As a result, the progress so far has impressed Aaron Boone. The Yankees manager mentioned that Gerrit Cole’s work “Has gone well.” Moreover, the skipper said it is a benchmark and another step. But still, the team and Cole have a long road ahead of them.
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