NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole moved into a key stage of his recovery from Tommy John surgery Monday, giving the New York Yankees a welcome boost as they continue to navigate a crowded injured list.
The 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star began his throwing program before the Yankees opened their three-game series against the Minnesota Twins with a 6-2 win at Yankee Stadium. Cole tossed 20 pitches off flat ground in his first throwing session since surgery.
“It felt really good today. I was fairly accurate and had a good time,” Cole said. “It’s a big one, first day throwing. Been building up to it for a few weeks, so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”
The Yankees ace, 34, underwent surgery on March 11 to repair a torn ligament in his right elbow after making two spring training starts. Performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles, the procedure included an internal brace designed to speed up the standard recovery time.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone called Monday’s work “one of those cool markers along the way that is significant to hit” and praised Cole’s rehab effort. Cole’s next major step will be pitching from a mound, which he expects to do before the end of the year. He plans to then shut down throwing and enter his offseason training program in California.
“We have a good setup in California and good communication,” Cole said. “I can upload my throwing program to the platform, so we’ll pretty much talk every day.”
Cole is targeting a mid-May 2026 return, estimating a 14-month recovery timeline.
Aaron Judge still out of outfield
Boone confirmed Aaron Judge will not play the outfield during the Twins series as he continues to manage an elbow issue. The Yankees captain could resume playing defense shortly afterward, but for now remains limited to designated hitter duties.
Fernando Cruz nearing return
Reliever Fernando Cruz, out since late June with a high-grade right oblique strain, is scheduled to start a rehab assignment Thursday with Double-A Somerset. He will throw again Sunday and next Tuesday before possibly being activated. The Yankees reliever threw 19 pitches in a live batting practice session Sunday that Boone said “went well.”
Ryan Yarbrough set for rehab start
Left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, sidelined since June 20 with a low-grade right oblique strain, will begin a rehab assignment Thursday, likely at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Yarbrough threw a two-inning live batting practice session over the weekend. The Yankees have yet to decide whether to stretch him out as a starter or bring him back as a long reliever.
“With Yarbrough, it just depends on how much we want to build him up,” Boone said. “When do we grab him? Do we keep building him up? We’ll see what we’re dealing with, how he’s doing.”
Jonathan Loaisiga progressing
Right-hander Jonathan Loaisiga, placed on the injured list August 2 with mid-back tightness, has been throwing pain-free and will progress to a bullpen session later this week. He hopes to return in about 10 days, though that could be extended if the Yankees opt to send him on a brief rehab assignment.
Clarke Schmidt facing long recovery
Starter Clarke Schmidt remains out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on July 11. Doctors inserted an internal brace rather than performing a full reconstruction, which could shorten his recovery from the typical 18 months to 11-13 months. The Yankees pitcher has been on the IL since July 4.
Jake Cousins in early rehab stage
Reliever Jake Cousins, recovering from Tommy John surgery performed June 19, remains on the 60-day IL. The Yankees relief pitcher is expected to begin a throwing program in late October or early November if his progress stays on track.
Amed Rosario targets quick return
Utility man Amed Rosario, placed on the 10-day IL August 9 with a left AC joint sprain, is aiming to return when first eligible on August 19. The Yankees’ deadline addition was injured when he collided with the right-field wall while chasing a fly ball.
“I started running real fast to catch that ball, I didn’t calculate the distance correctly and then I hit the wall hard,” Rosario said.
Austin Slater sidelined until September
Outfielder Austin Slater, out since August 5 with a left hamstring strain, is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. He is targeting a return in early to mid-September.
Oswaldo Cabrera out for season
Infielder Oswaldo Cabrera remains on the 60-day IL after season-ending surgery May 15 to repair a fractured left ankle. He is expected back in 2026.
Yankees still dominate Twins
Monday’s victory extended the Yankees’ dominance over Minnesota. Since 2002, New York is 107-42 against the Twins in the regular season, the best mark by any team against another within its league during that span. Including postseason games, the Yankees are 123-44 in the matchup and have won seven straight.
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