Yankees 'excited' by great camp, Gerrit Cole injury recovery progress
The New York Yankees are buoyed by a strong spring as Gerrit Cole progresses in elbow rehab from Tommy John, signaling potential return later in the season. Team optimism extends beyond Cole to overall health and depth, with Boone noting a productive camp and promising development from younger players. The spring mood contrasts with last year’s injury-marred start, underscoring a pathway toward a competitive 162-game slate. The organization is focused on sustaining momentum into the regular season while managing expectations for Cole’s and others’ timelines. The next steps involve continued rehab, lineup competition, and building toward a meaningful postseason push.
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Gerrit Cole is moving through rehab in spring training, delivering a six-batter showcase that marks a significant step after Tommy John surgery.
In his outing against the Chicago Cubs, Cole showcased velocity in the 96-to-98 mph range and struck out three of the first four batters, signaling he still commands his elite stuff.
A 416-foot homer off Cole during the appearance was attributed to a well-hit swing by Alex Bregman, underscoring the quality of hitting he faced.
Cole plans to spend a month training in Tampa before beginning a rehab assignment with a target to rejoin the Yankees in mid-to-late May.
New York departed for the season opener with expectations tempered by caution, while Boone praised the camp's depth and health progress and emphasized competition for opportunities throughout the year.
This spring contrasts with the previous year, when Cole was sidelined by surgery and several teammates dealt with injuries, making the current health slate notable for the team’s early confidence.
The Yankees’ outlook centers on a strong start to the season, with a focus on October implications and avoiding the kinds of early-season missteps that plagued the prior campaign.