Gerrit Cole was the best performer for the New York Yankees last season. That was the year when nothing really went right for the 27-time World Series champions. The team did not do well at all. They have failed to make it to the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, they finished with a terrible 82-80 record and in fourth place in the American League East division. Very narrowly, the NY side avoided a last-place finish in their division. Moreover, the team had the worst season for their offense. On top of that, key players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Rizzo suffered severe injuries. Even the pitching department was not at its best, except, of course, Gerrit Cole.
Carlos Rodon and Nestor Cortes struggled throughout the 2023 season. However, the Yankees ace had his career-best season last year. As a result, he won his first-ever American League Cy Young Award in 2023. That’s why the Yankees needed their ace to keep up the momentum, as the whole team was looking to turn things around in 2024. However, to every New York fan’s utter dismay, Cole suffered a severe nerve inflammation in his right elbow. As a result, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner has missed his chance to be in the lineup that is enjoying a hot start to the current season.
Gerrit Cole Eager To Be Back To The Rotation In June
On Tuesday night, the ace pitcher of the Bronx Bombers told the reporters that he might make a return to the lineup in June. He didn’t want to rule that possibility out. Moreover, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner is eager to make his season debut as soon as possible. But in spring training, the doctors ruled him out for one to two months. He has already missed 51 games and more than a month. Lately, Gerrit Cole took a big step in his recovery process. On Tuesday, he made 20 pitches to his teammates Oswaldo Cabrera and Jahmai Jones. Previously, as a part to his rehab, the Yankees ace pitched during five bullpen sessions.
Anyhow, Gerrit Cole does not think he needs to rush into anything, especially coming back from a severe injury. Moreover, looking at the hot start of the NY side in the ongoing season, and how the pitchers have done a decent job so far, Cole thinks, “There’s no need to rush.” But whenever Gerrit Cole returns to the lineup, it will be a big boost for the Bronx Bombers. And the fans must be glad to hear that the ace is making good progress in rehab.
Yankees Manager Doesn’t Want To Start Predicting About Cole’s Return
Lately, as per CBS Sports, Aaron Boone mentioned that Cole’s return in June might be possible. However, he does not want to start predicting as to exactly against whom the fans can expect Gerrit Cole to pitch for the first time this season. Moreover, the Yankees skipper said he does not want to get ahead of themselves. He said things are going well at present.
Cole took a big step when he pitched to his teammates Cabrera and Jones on Tuesday. As per Boone, Cole may have to go through a couple of more sessions like this before he finally joins his teammates in the major league. The manager said the focus on Cole’s rehab program is to start building from the two more pitching sessions.
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