Gerrit Cole is unarguably the New York Yankees’ biggest asset. And hence when his health falls in jeopardy, the franchise would avoid any risks whatsoever with respect to his recovery. That’s exactly what the Yanks have been doing all this while along since Cole went down with elbow injury.
Reigning AL CY Young pitcher, Gerrit Cole got nerve inflammation on his pitching elbow and has been under rehabilitation since spring training. While Cole has resumed throwing, his next step is getting delayed as the Yankees opted for extra caution. And if recent reports are to be believed, the pitcher’s return would likely exceed his initial 60-day IL timeline.
Gerrit Cole Eyeing Mid-June As Ideal Window For Season Debut!
The New York Yankees’ pitching staff has been paralyzed this season due to the absence of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole. The reigning AL CY Young pitcher endured a serious injury only for the second time in his career. And has been sidelined with nerve elbow inflammation for over a month. His initial timeline was for 60 days, with Cole being eligible for return after May 27. However, the pitcher’s ramp-up schedule has been extremely slow, as, despite the resumption of throwing activities, he has yet to throw from the mound. That being said, Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently claimed that Cole would need at least 6 weeks of spring-like build-up to be ready for return.
Heyman added that Gerrit Cole would throw a bullpen session on Saturday, and the Yankees are eyeing mid-June return as the earliest date. Interestingly, manager Aaron Boone was asked a day before if the All-Star break is more of a realistic target for Cole. And the skipper was defiant, saying the team is working round the clock and they’ll only fix a return timeline after the pitcher begins throwing from the mound. Even Cole himself was unsure of his season debut, saying unless he starts to throw from the mound, he wouldn’t know how ready he is to join the roster immediately without any rehab assignment. Nevertheless, with Cole avoiding Tommy John surgery, a return this year is very much on the cards, which is a massive sign of relief for the Bronx Bombers. Cole’s addition would definitely strengthen the already strong team.
Cole Likely To Skip His Timeline Due To Inadequate Build Up!
In an interesting revelation, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic claimed that New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won’t be eligible to return on May 27 i.e his initial timeline due to lack of proper build up. Rosenthal explained that every starting pitcher needs six-weeks of spring build up before season debut and currently, Cole is far behind.
Since the reigning AL CY Young pitcher missed the entirety of spring, he has to build up from scratch. And given his six weeks timer is yet to kick off, Gerrit Cole will be ineligible to return before June first week. Overall, until and unless Cole begins throwing from the mound, any clarity over his season debut is unlikely.
Follow Sports News International for more news and updates about The New York Yankees and your favorite MLB team.
