Gerrit Cole is moving closer to a return to the Bronx. The two-time ERA champion is scheduled to begin a Gerrit Cole rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset on Friday, according to Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
The move marks a pivotal milestone in Cole’s recovery from Tommy John surgery. Although the right-hander managed a few brief appearances on the mound toward the end of Spring Training, Friday’s start will represent his first regular-season game action since 2024. The road back has been a long one. after his elbow gave out in the spring of 2025, Cole underwent the ligament-reconstruction procedure in March of that year.
For the past several weeks, Cole has progressed through the standard recovery tiers, moving from bullpen sessions to live batting practice. The transition to game action in Somerset is designed to build the stamina and mechanical rhythm that only a competitive environment can provide.
The Timeline for a Big League Return
While the start on Friday is a cause for optimism, the Yankees are not expecting an immediate return to the Major League roster. Standard minor league rehab assignments for pitchers typically span up to 30 days, though the league often grants extensions in 10-day increments for players recovering from the complexities of Tommy John surgery.
Given the nature of the recovery and the need to build up pitch counts safely, Cole is likely still more than a month away from being deemed ready for the big leagues. The organization’s priority remains a sustainable return that avoids the risk of re-injury, favoring a methodical approach over a rushed timeline.
Cole will not be the only high-profile player working through recovery in Somerset. He joins shortstop Anthony Volpe, who began his own rehab stint on Tuesday following shoulder surgery in October. Volpe recently played five innings in the field and faced two at-bats—both resulting in strikeouts—against fellow rehabber Zack Wheeler. Volpe is eligible for a rehab stint of up to 20 days.
Navigating the Current Rotation
The Yankees’ starting rotation has had to adapt in Cole’s absence, relying on a mix of established arms and emerging talent. The current group consists of Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and Luis Gil.
The top three members of that group have performed reliably through their first four turns of the season. However, the back end of the rotation has seen more volatility. Ryan Weathers has flashed the “plus stuff” that made him a primary trade target during the offseason, though he has struggled with consistency and has only once surpassed the five-inning mark this season.
Luis Gil, who began the year as the odd man out due to a schedule with frequent off-days, has faced challenges since stepping into a more permanent role, surrendering four home runs across his first nine innings of work.
Rotation Status and Potential Depth
| Pitcher | Status/Trend | Key Note |
|---|---|---|
| Max Fried / Schlittler / Warren | Strong | Consistent through first four starts |
| Ryan Weathers | Inconsistent | High strikeout rate; limited longevity |
| Luis Gil | Struggling | 4 HRs allowed in first 9 innings |
| Carlos Rodón | Rehabbing | Recovering from loose bodies procedure |
The Roster Ripple Effect
The return of Cole and Volpe will create a significant logistical puzzle for the front office. Carlos Rodón is as well progressing toward a return; while he has not yet started a formal rehab assignment, he is currently throwing live batting practice following a postseason procedure to remove loose bodies from his elbow. Depending on the pace of his recovery, Rodón could potentially return to the Bronx before Cole.
If both health and performance hold, the Yankees could find themselves with a rotation six pitchers deep. This luxury, however, necessitates challenging decisions regarding the 26-man roster. The return of Anthony Volpe, in particular, will impact the role of José Caballero.
Caballero has served as the everyday shortstop during Volpe’s absence. Despite a recent highlight—a walk-off two-run double against the Angels—his overall production has been lean, posting a .169 batting average with a .288 slugging percentage. Once Volpe is activated, Caballero is expected to move back into a utility role.
The roster crunch is further complicated by limited options. Backup catcher J.C. Escarra is currently the only player on the bench with minor league options. This suggests that when Volpe returns, the team may be forced to designate a player for assignment. Randal Grichuk, a minor league signee playing a short-side platoon role, has struggled significantly, going 1-for-16 to start the season.
Disclaimer: This article contains information regarding medical procedures and rehabilitation timelines. This represents for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
The next critical checkpoint for the Yankees will be the evaluation of Cole’s first few outings in Somerset to determine if his velocity and command are returning to championship levels. The organization will monitor his pitch counts and recovery markers before deciding on any potential extensions to his rehab assignment.
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