Gerrit Cole takes next step as Boone confirms Tuesday rehab start

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Gerrit Cole is set to take a crucial step in his recovery process, with Yankees manager Aaron Boone confirming to Bryan Hoch that the star pitcher will begin his rehab assignment with the Somerset Patriots next Tuesday.

Gerrit Cole inches closer to Yankees’ 2024 debut

Speculation about this announcement had been growing since last Saturday. According to projections by NJ.com, if Gerrit Cole completes four rehab starts, he could make his return on June 25 in a Subway Series game against the Mets at Citi Field. If he needs five rehab outings, his comeback might be on June 30 in Toronto.

Gerrit Cole, 33, who won the AL Cy Young Award last season, posted a 15-4 record with a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, and 222 strikeouts against 48 walks in 209 innings. He led the American League in ERA, WHIP, and innings pitched. This marks his fourth year of a nine-year, $324 million contract, which includes an opt-out after this season.

Despite his reputation as one of baseball’s most durable pitchers, Gerrit Cole experienced elbow discomfort this spring, raising concerns amid a growing trend of arm injuries in the sport. After weeks of being shut down from throwing, Cole has gradually built up his workload, progressing from bullpen sessions to facing live hitters.

According to multiple reports, the upcoming rehab assignment will serve as Gerrit Cole’s version of spring training, starting with limited innings and gradually increasing his pitch count until he is ready to handle a six-inning workload in the majors. The process is expected to take several weeks, and anticipation for Cole’s return is high among fans.

In Gerrit Cole’s absence, the Yankees’ rotation has demonstrated resilience and depth. Luis Gil, Clarke Schmidt, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, and Carlos Rodon have all delivered strong performances. As of Sunday, the Yankees’ rotation held a 2.73 ERA, second only to the Phillies in Major League Baseball. No other team has managed to stay below a 3.13 ERA.

The Yankees have faced significant challenges without Gerrit Cole, including a recent injury to Schmidt, which has added to their rotation woes. CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa has analyzed the team’s potential strategies, suggesting they will need to manage their rotation carefully until their Cy Young winner returns to the mound.

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