Gerrit Cole opens up about first NY Yankees pitching session post-injury

After an offseason marked by few additions to their roster, the New York Yankees fanbase holds high expectations for the upcoming season, especially with the anticipated return of key players such as Gerrit Cole.

However, it appears unlikely that Cole will be back sooner than expected. In fact, Cole himself issued a clear statement about his recovery, as he faced hitters for the first time since his injury. “It’s great to feel great, but I don’t think it makes me want to accelerate,” Cole told reporters.

While his progress signifies a promising development for the Yankees‘ medical team, Cole is aware that he needs more than just pitching against real hitters to fully recover from his elbow injury sustained before last season.

Indeed, manager Aaron Boone conveyed a strong message regarding Cole’s return following an encouraging bullpen session. This has tempered expectations among fans, shedding light on the realistic timeline for Cole’s comeback and its potential impact on the Yankees’ lineup.

Gerrit Cole #45 of the Yankees walks through the dugout.

Initial impressions from Cole facing hitters

Yankees supporters are eagerly anticipating a stronger performance compared to last year, particularly given that Cole was one of the most notable absences last season. As Cole is expected to make his return, fans are waiting for him to regain his peak form.

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NY Yankees’ Aaron Judge reflects on Gerrit Cole’s first Spring Training game after returning from injury

Here are first impressions from Cole’s return:

• Hitters faced: Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, Jasson Domínguez, and Trent Grisham.
• Highlight: Cole reportedly struck out Trent Grisham to wrap up his session, with his fastball clocking in between 95–97 mph.
• Catcher’s feedback: Austin Wells, who was behind the plate, commented: “He looks like a Cy Young pitcher already. The life on the heater is back.”

Cole is now expected to make a significant impact on a roster that also features players eagerly anticipated by fans for the upcoming season, like Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, two of the team’s top hitters.