Gerrit Cole, Yankees
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New York Yankees fans have been wanting to see their ace Gerrit Cole in action for the longest time as the reigning AL CY Young pitcher has been sidelined since spring training with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. While the rotation has performed well so far, Cole is irreplaceable.

That being said, Gerrit Cole finally commenced his rehab assignment on Tuesday with the Somerset Patriots. A rehab assignment is the final chapter in Cole’s rehab program before he can return to the mound in pinstripes. And Cole’s assessment following his first rehab start suggests that a return is way closer than it seems.

   

Gerrit Cole Goes Scoreless In First Rehab Start

Gerrit Cole, Yankees
Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

After fighting hard against a serious elbow nerve inflammation injury for over two months, Gerrit Cole was finally able to take the mound as a fully fit starting pitcher. Cole was handed over a rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset Patriots after he faced live hitters multiple times last week. Cole threw 3.1 scoreless innings on Tuesday with just two hits and no walks. He pitched a total of 45 pitches and struck out five hitters as well. Not only that, the ace’s fastballs averaged 97 mph as he used a variety of pitches from his arsenal. That being said, it still remains unclear as to how many rehab starts Cole will need to become eligible for reinstatement in the Yankees rotation.

However, Gerrit Cole shared a piece of much positive news after his first rehab start. The ace said he had fun overall in his rehab outing as he enjoyed the environment and the vibe of getting back to the flow of things. Additionally, Cole added that he feels his return is just around the corner. While he is also unsure of the number of starts he would require, Cole said he feels great about his build-up.  “Definitely closer rather than farther away. It should be right around the corner here,” said Cole. Notably, whenever the fateful day arrives, Gerrit Cole will replace Cody Poteet on the starting rotation. Clarke Schmidt injured his right lat and is out for an indefinite period. But with Cole coming in, the New York Yankees rotation is unlikely to face any setback whatsoever in the already successful MLB season.

Yankees Fans Rejoice Gerrit Cole’s Rehab Start

Gerrit Cole, Yankees
John Jones-USA TODAY Sports

Gerrit Cole walked out for Somerset Patriots for his first rehab assignment amid a loud cheer from the packed crowd. He pitched 3.1 scoreless innings comprising 45 pitches, which left the fans mesmerized and excited for the coming future. Elated Yankees fans took to social media to celebrate Cole’s milestone.

Not only that, Gerrit Cole’s wife, Amy, also turned up to the ball park to support her husband and grabbed a foul ball off Cole’s pitch. Overall, it was a positive day for Gerrit Cole as he gears up for his much-anticipated return to pinstripes after more than two months. The New York Yankees’ already successful rotation will strengthen by tenfold post Cole’s imminent return.

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