Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL CY Young pitcher and one of the most effective starters in the league, is currently on IL with an elbow nerve inflammation injury. Cole suffered a setback of this magnitude for the first time in a long while. Hence, the team decided to take his rehab as slow as possible.
The ace took more time than an average starter to take minimal rehab steps before he eventually ramped up in May to commence his rehab assignment with Double-A Somerset Patriots last week. Let’s explore how Gerrit Cole performed in his first rehab game after over two months of absence from the mound.
Gerrit Cole Passes Nerve-Wracking Rehab Game Test
Gerrit Cole has taken a significant step towards his return to the mound, passing a crucial rehab test with flying colors. The New York Yankees ace, sidelined with an elbow injury, showcased his trademark velocity and control in a rehab start that has left fans and the organization optimistic about his imminent return. Cole’s rehab outing took place with the Yankees’ Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots. He pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out five batters. His fastball consistently hit the upper 90s. And his overall stuff demonstrated the sharpness and command that have made him one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Even Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed his satisfaction with Cole’s performance.
That being said, while the start of the rehab assignment was promising, Gerrit Cole’s grind is far from over. He has a second rehab game scheduled for Sunday. Regardless, after his first rehab game, Cole spoke to the media, expressing his relief and excitement about his progress. He missed being on the mound, and the rehab game acted as a fresh breath of relief. Not only that, the ace affirmed that a return to the major league feels much closer. While he refused to put on a timeline, Cole is expected to be reinstated in mid-June. Indeed, his return would provide a significant boost to the rotation. Cole’s presence could be pivotal as the Yankees make their way through a successful MLB season with the joint-best record (45-20) in MLB. The New York Yankees, who have already been home to two of the best hitters in the AL, will soon turn into a mighty force with the addition of Gerrit Cole.
Aaron Boone Appreciates Cole For Being Mindful Of His Rehab
After a successful rehab start with Double-A Somerset Patriots, Gerrit Cole left Yankees manager Aaron Boone highly impressed. Boone revealed that Cole has been extremely mindful of his rehab stint and is not getting ahead of himself. He added that Cole is intelligent and makes the best choices for himself.
“I also think he has been realistic [placing] a premium on making sure that goes well,” Aaron Boone said about Cole’s rehab game. Now, all eyes will shift on Sunday as Gerrit Cole takes the mound for the second time with Double-A Somerset Patriots, and hopefully, it’s the last before Cole gets to make his season debut in majors.
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