New York Yankees ace pitcher Cole delivers sharp performance in second minor league rehab game

New York Yankees ace right-hander Gerrit Cole still has a considerable journey ahead before returning to the Major League mound, but he is gradually nearing his highly anticipated return.

The right-handed pitcher, who is recovering from March 2025 Tommy John surgery, completed his second rehab appearance today with High-A Hudson Valley.

Following his 44-pitch outing last week at Double-A Somerset, the 35-year-old pitcher increased his workload to 52 pitches (42 strikes) today, once again completing 4.1 innings against the Brooklyn Cyclones. He allowed five hits and two runs, including a home run, while recording four strikeouts and no walks.

During the game, Cole also faced several situations with runners on base. In the top of the second inning with runners on first and second, he induced a double play to end the inning, and in the third inning, he stranded a runner at third base. In the fourth inning, after being hit by a home run from Corey Collins, he still managed to strike out three batters and safely navigate through the inning.

The Yankees have not specified the minimum number of rehab games required for Cole to return to the Major League rotation. Regardless, Cole is unlikely to make his 2026 season debut until late May, as he continues to progress steadily along the originally estimated approximately 14-month recovery timeline.

Given Cole's current stage of recovery, the Yankees are undoubtedly encouraged by his command performance. Command is typically the last aspect to return for pitchers recovering from Tommy John surgery. In Cole's first two rehab starts, over 8.2 innings he issued only one walk, with 78 strikes out of 96 pitches, achieving an impressive strike rate of 81.3%.