Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole Hits 96 MPH in Rehab Start

Cole makes progress in return from Tommy John surgery, expected back in June.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:56am

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A cubist, geometric illustration depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, capturing the raw energy and movement of the sport.Gerrit Cole's return to the mound for the Yankees will be a crucial moment in their season, as the team's ace works his way back from injury.Kansas City Today

New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole made his first rehab start on Friday for the team's Double-A affiliate, the Somerset Patriots. Cole threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing 3 hits, 3 earned runs, 1 walk, and 3 strikeouts while hitting 96 mph on the radar gun in the first inning. Cole is on track to return to the Yankees' rotation in June after undergoing Tommy John surgery in early 2025.

Why it matters

The return of Gerrit Cole, one of the best pitchers in baseball, will be a major boost for the Yankees as they look to contend in the highly competitive American League East division. Cole's successful rehab start is an encouraging sign that he is progressing well in his recovery and nearing a return to the majors.

The details

In his first rehab start, Cole threw 44 pitches and showed good velocity, hitting 96 mph on the radar gun in the first inning. He did run into some trouble in the second inning, walking a batter and then allowing an RBI double and a home run on back-to-back batters. Overall, the Yankees are pleased with Cole's progress as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery.

  • Cole made his first rehab start on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Cole is expected to return to the Yankees' rotation in June 2026.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A star pitcher for the New York Yankees who is currently rehabbing from Tommy John surgery and expected to return to the team's rotation in June 2026.

Dylan Campbell

A player for the Somerset Patriots, the Yankees' Double-A affiliate, who hit an RBI double off Cole during his rehab start.

Bryson Ware

A player for the Somerset Patriots who hit a home run off Cole during his rehab start.

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What they’re saying

“I have no complaints. The stamina was good. The pitches are fine right now. They're good. I'm a little nitpicky, but everything is good.”

— Gerrit Cole

What’s next

Cole must be added back to the Yankees' MLB roster within 30 days of the start of his rehab assignment, though he may receive up to three 10-day extensions.

The takeaway

Gerrit Cole's successful first rehab start is an encouraging sign for the Yankees as they look to get their ace back in the rotation in the coming months. His return will be a major boost for the team as they aim to contend in the tough AL East.