Yankees’ Gerrit Cole Begins Throwing Program
New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Monday.
According to a report from YES Network’s Meredith Marakovits, Cole initiated a throwing program.
“Gerrit Cole started his throwing program today… about 20 pitches on flat ground,” Marakovits posted to X.
Cole underwent surgery on March 11, 2025, to repair a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow, which sidelined him for the entire 2025 season.
The procedure, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, included an internal brace to potentially expedite recovery. Cole is hoping to return to the mound by May or June 2026, per The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner.
Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, boasts a 153-80 career record with a 3.18 ERA over 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, and Yankees. A six-time All-Star, he has two AL ERA titles and a 3.12 ERA in five seasons with New York.
Despite his injury, Cole remains a clubhouse leader, mentoring teammates and staying engaged. Cole’s nine-year, $324 million contract, signed in 2020, runs through 2028, with four years and $144 million remaining.
After opting out post-2024, he and the Yankees agreed to continue the original deal. As Cole progresses in his rehab, Yankees fans are excited about what he could add to a 2026 rotation expected to feature Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, and Luis Gil.
Cole was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft by the Pirates.