Yankees manager Aaron Boone provided an optimistic update on Gerrit Cole’s recovery from elbow inflammation, which has kept the right-hander out of action since March. Before the series opener against the Houston Astros at Yankee Stadium, Cole participated in another light bullpen session, with Boone remarking that “everything has gone well so far” in the ace’s rehabilitation process.
Cole continues to make strides towards his return, having thrown off a mound on May 4 for the first time since landing on the injured list in March. He completed another bullpen session on Tuesday without encountering any setbacks and is anticipated to progressively intensify his throwing regimen in the upcoming weeks. Based on his current trajectory, Cole appears to be on track for a return in early to mid-June.
“He’s still got a ways to go on it,” Boone cautioned, tempering expectations while acknowledging the progress made thus far.
Boone revealed that Cole is slated to accompany the team on their upcoming trip to Tampa Bay, where he will have the opportunity to continue his mound work at the team’s player development complex in Tampa.
Boone conveyed a sense of encouragement regarding Cole’s performance and the steps taken in his recovery process.
DJ LeMahieu
Manager Aaron Boone also expressed satisfaction with DJ LeMahieu‘s recovery progress.
Boone commented that LeMahieu had been performing well recently and mentioned that the infielder was feeling particularly good about his progress.
As part of his rehabilitation, LeMahieu has been fielding ground balls hit in his direction and taking swings in the batting cage.
Assuming no further setbacks occur, LeMahieu is also expected to travel with the team to their southern destination. During this trip, he is slated to engage in increased baseball activities, which may include facing live pitching and participating in infield drills.
If LeMahieu successfully navigates these challenges without any issues, a rehab assignment should not be far off.
LeMahieu’s previous attempt at a rehab assignment was cut short when he encountered difficulties completing his first minor league game.
Yankees plan rehab for Jasson Dominguez
According to Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone, the promising 21-year-old prospect is rapidly approaching a significant milestone in his recovery process. Boone indicated that the young player is expected to commence playing in rehabilitation games within the next two weeks.
The Yankees‘ skipper elaborated on Tuesday, stating that the player would likely begin his rehab assignment by exclusively serving as the designated hitter (DH) for the first two weeks. However, Boone confirmed that the prospect is on the cusp of returning to a starting role in games.
In recent weeks, Jasson Dominguez has been participating in live batting practice sessions and engaging in all of his defensive responsibilities, Boone added.
The outfielder, who underwent a surgical procedure seven months ago on September 20th, began his throwing program in early February and initiated swinging off a tee by the end of that month.
As March progressed, Dominguez extended his throwing distance to 75 feet, an increase from the 60 feet he had been throwing from in late February. Subsequently, the switch hitter started hitting from both sides of the plate in early March.
Dominguez, widely regarded as the Yankees’ top prospect and ranked 37th overall by MLB Pipeline, made his highly anticipated major league debut last season on September 1st. In a brief eight-game stint, he showcased his immense potential, slashing an impressive .258/.303/.677 with four home runs and seven RBI before succumbing to injury.
Oswald Peraza starts rehab
Oswald Peraza began his rehab with The Tampa Tarpons, the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate, on Tuesday and hit a solo home run to the left field.
The 23-year-old infielder experienced discomfort in his right shoulder during spring training and was ultimately shut down due to a subscapular strain. When the injury was initially disclosed on March 9th, Yankees manager Aaron Boone informed reporters that Peraza would be sidelined for a period of six to eight weeks. This past Saturday marked the conclusion of the eight-week timeframe.
Despite Peraza’s imminent return to the field, Boone indicated on Tuesday that the infielder still had a considerable way to go before being activated from the injured list.
Boone elaborated on the player’s situation, stating that he would essentially need to go through a complete spring training regimen at this point. The manager suggested that the player has a significant stretch of preparation ahead of him, estimating that it would likely require several weeks for him to fully complete this process.
Peraza, who resumed throwing in early April, has made appearances in 70 games for the Yankees over the past two seasons. During that span, he has compiled a slash line of .216/.298/.306, contributing three home runs, 11 doubles, 16 RBI, and 23 runs scored.
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