New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won his career first CY Young award last year for his exceptional record in 33 starts. The one thing Cole is popularly known for is his durability and accuracy on the mound. However, this year, his durability was put to the test for the first time in pinstripes.
Gerrit Cole suffered a nerve inflammation injury in spring on his pitching elbow, which ruled him out for a minimum of two months. While Cole jumped his initial 60-day timeline due to a lack of buildup, the Yankees ace is finally set to commence his final recovery step, which is a rehab assignment this week.
What To Expect From Gerrit Cole’s Rehab Assignment?
New York Yankees ace and reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole missed opening day for the first time in the last five years due to a serious elbow injury. After his opening started in the spring, Cole banged up his pitching elbow, and a timely diagnosis allowed the pitcher to avoid surgical routes. Regardless, a non-surgical rehab program was equally daunting as Cole had to play the waiting game with utmost patience. Notably, Cole was initially shut down for 4 weeks before he gradually built up throwing activities. He played catch for a few weeks before throwing a bullpen session. Last month, Gerrit jumped his initial May 27 return timeline. But faced live hitters, the second last step in his recovery program.
Gerrit Cole had 4 to 5 live bullpen sessions before the New York Yankees conditioning staff scheduled a rehab assignment for him, which is the final step in Cole’s much-awaited return to the mound in pinstripes. Cole is expected to throw in his first rehab start on Tuesday at Double-A Somerset as they host the Hartford Yard Goats. He is likely to begin throwing 15-pitch innings before gradually building up. That being said, it is still unclear as to how many starts Cole will be required to pitch in the minors. While manager Aaron Boone set the minimum count to 2, an official word is yet to be put out by the franchise. Having said that, as far as a return timeline is concerned, the ace is not ruling out a return in mid-June. Notably, with Clarke Schmidt headed to the injury list with a lat strain, Cole is likely to fill his place in the Yankees rotation.
Clarke Schmidt Vacates Space For Gerrit Cole In Yankees Rotation
Just when manager Aaron Boone was about to face the big rotation conundrum, starter Clarke Schmidt did a big favor for the Yankees. He picked up a lat strain injury last week out of nowhere and was placed on 15-day IL, which is likely to be extended given the severity of his injury.
That being said, Clarke Schmidt’s injury is a blessing in disguise for the Yankees as it paves the way for ace Gerrit Cole. With the rotation performing way above expectations, it was nearly impossible for Aaron Boone to make space for Cole before Schmidt strained his right lat last week.
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