TAMPA, Fla. – Gerrit Cole made a highly anticipated return to the pitcher’s mound after a lengthy absence of 377 days, throwing a scoreless first inning for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game against their rivals, the Boston Red Sox. This marked a significant moment for both Cole and the Yankees as they look to build momentum heading into the regular season.
In his first inning, Cole threw 10 pitches, achieving an impressive seven strikes. His repertoire featured six four-seam fastballs, which averaged 97.1 mph, with speeds ranging from 98.7 mph to 96.1 mph. He also incorporated two sliders and two knuckle-curves into his pitching mix, showcasing his versatility on the mound.
Despite the solid performance, Cole expressed dissatisfaction with his command during the outing. “It was not great today. Not objectively,” he remarked during the YES Network broadcast. “It has been really good recently but probably today was the worst it’s been. So it was serviceable for the most part, but I would say it was another level of intensity out there. The velocity creeped up.”
Cole’s first pitch was a 96.6 mph fastball directed at Braiden Ward, who successfully bunted it for a single. Ward then stole second base, although he was ultimately caught trying to advance to third after a flyout by Kristian Campbell. Jason Delay also contributed to the inning with a single, while Nathan Hickey grounded out on a first-pitch knuckle-curve.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Cole’s performance, stating, “Obviously good life on the heater, the sinker. Overall, good for him to get out there and get that next wave of competitive environment.” This positive reinforcement is crucial as Cole continues to regain his form following surgery.
At 35 years old, Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11 of the previous year, performed by renowned team physician Dr. Neal ElAttrache of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His previous official appearance was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series on October 30. Cole participated in two spring training games in 2025, the last being on March 6.
After throwing his first bullpen of spring training on February 13 and facing hitters a week later, Cole’s recovery timeline has been carefully monitored. Boone optimistically projects that Cole will make his season debut in late May or early June, depending on his progress.
Cole’s 2024 season debut was initially delayed until June 19 due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. However, he has since proven his worth on the mound, finishing the season with an 8-5 record and a 3.41 ERA across 17 starts for New York, along with a commendable 1-0 record and a 2.17 ERA in five postseason appearances.
Cole is currently signed to a substantial nine-year contract worth $324 million, which extends through 2028. Over his career, he has amassed an impressive 153-80 record and a 3.18 ERA across 317 starts, playing for teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates (2013-2017), Houston Astros (2018-2019), and the New York Yankees (beginning in 2020).
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