Yankees Ace Cole Shows Skills Again in Spring Training, Optimistic About Return

New York Yankees ace starting pitcher Gerrit Cole pitched against the Chicago Cubs in the Yankees' final spring training game today, throwing 1.2 innings with 3 strikeouts and allowing 1 run, helping the team win 8-3. Cole has not pitched in the Major Leagues since starting Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, missing the entire last season after undergoing right elbow ligament TJ surgery in March 2025.

Cole displayed all his pitches today, with over half of his 26 pitches being four-seam fastballs. His fastball averaged 96.3 mph, reaching up to 98 mph, while he also mixed in knuckle curveballs, sliders, sinkers, changeups, and cutters, with 17 of them being strikes.

The Cubs' Alex Bregman hit a sinker for a 413-foot home run in the first inning, accounting for the only run Cole allowed. Cole wasn't frustrated by it. "Good pitch, better swing, that's how it goes sometimes against good hitters," Cole said. "My pitch selection and location were good; overall, it was a good day."

Cole's return timeline remains late May or early June, and he stated he won't rush it. Over five seasons with the Yankees, he has a 3.12 ERA and is one of only three active pitchers with 150 career wins, alongside Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said Cole's excellent performance today continued the progress he showed last week against the Boston Red Sox. "I feel he's in good form, controlling the game; this is another step in the recovery process."

Although Cole allowed solid contact from several Cubs batters in his five outs, including Bregman's home run (exit velocity 104.1 mph) and Dansby Swanson's line-drive out in the second inning (105.2 mph), he threw first-pitch strikes to four of the six batters, generated six swings and two whiffs with his four-seam fastball, and everything is gradually coming together.

"I'm finding joy on the field again," Cole said. "Maybe it's a greater appreciation for the game—the layers of talent, the intensity of competition, the demands. It requires focus, preparation, and I enjoy that."

Cole will not travel with the team for the opening series against the San Francisco Giants. He will return to Tampa, Florida to continue pitching workouts, then head to minor leagues for rehab games.

When discussing the team's health for the 2026 season, Cole was notably cautious. As he spoke, he tapped a wooden bat. "We've been very healthy in spring training," Cole said, tapping the bat. "It's very encouraging, excellent, and the roster configuration is balanced too." His imminent return will make the roster even stronger.