Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole made a significant step forward in his recovery from nerve inflammation in his elbow by throwing 15 low-intensity pitches off a mound on Saturday. This marked his first bullpen session since mid-March. Cole, who has been sidelined for nearly two months, expressed enthusiasm about his return, stating that the session went well and that he felt good about it.
When is Gerrit Cole going to return?
After gradually building up his throwing regimen on flat ground, Gerrit Cole maintained a conservative pace during this bullpen outing, averaging only 89 mph on his pitches while focusing on accuracy within the strike zone. Reflecting on his progress, Cole remarked that he missed pitching and considered this session an important milestone in his rehabilitation.
The next steps in Gerrit Cole’s recovery will depend on how his arm responds in the coming days. According to the NY POST, Yankees will then determine the timing of his next mound session. Despite being eligible to return from the 60-day injured list later this month, Cole is not expected to be ready for activation at that point. Given the typical six-week spring training build-up for starting pitchers, Cole still needs several more bullpen sessions before beginning a more rigorous throwing program.
Although Gerrit Cole refrained from setting specific targets for his return, Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about the pitcher’s progress, acknowledging Cole’s dedication and passion for the game. Boone emphasized that Cole’s return is a gradual process aimed at ensuring his readiness and effectiveness on the mound.
Cole’s recovery journey represents a vital storyline for the Yankees, who are eager to see their ace back in top form. The team and fans alike eagerly await further updates as Cole continues to make strides toward rejoining the rotation.
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