The road to recovery for star pitcher Gerrit Cole is off to a thrilling start, as he aces his first live batting practice after a major surgery. But will this success accelerate his return to the Yankees?
On a sunny Friday in Tampa, Florida, Gerrit Cole took a significant step in his comeback journey. Stepping onto the mound for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025, Cole faced off against three major-league hitters in a live batting practice session. This was no ordinary rehab; it was a test of his pitching prowess against the likes of Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and Trent Grisham.
And Cole delivered! Dominguez and Judge connected with liners that would've been base hits, but Cole's performance was impressive. His four-seam fastball velocity reached 94-95 mph, with a 96.9 mph gem mixed in. This was a far cry from his previous bullpen sessions, leaving Cole himself surprised yet satisfied.
But here's where it gets controversial: Despite his success, Cole remains cautious about rushing his return. He stated, 'It's great to feel great, but I don't think it makes me want to accelerate.' This raises the question: Should Cole push for an earlier comeback, or is patience the key to a sustainable recovery?
Cole's progress is undeniable, and his excitement was palpable as he spoke to reporters the following day. He felt fantastic, his command was on point, and there were no signs of discomfort the morning after. However, the Yankees and Cole are committed to a careful approach, targeting a late May or early June return at the earliest.
As Cole's journey continues, fans and experts alike will eagerly follow his progress. Will he maintain this impressive form? And will the Yankees resist the temptation to rush their ace back onto the field? Only time will tell, and the baseball world is watching with bated breath.
