Yankees' Gerrit Cole Set for First Rehab Start

Ace pitcher to make Double-A appearance as he recovers from Tommy John surgery

Apr. 16, 2026 at 3:10am

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An abstract, energetic painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic pitching motion of a baseball player, conveying the raw athleticism and power of the sport.The Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole nears his return to the mound, his explosive pitching style captured in a vibrant expressionist illustration.Somerset Today

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole, who has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery last March, is set to make his first rehab start with the Double-A Somerset team on Friday. The six-time All-Star and 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner last pitched in a competitive game during the 2024 World Series.

Why it matters

Cole's return to the mound is a critical milestone for the Yankees as they look to bolster their starting rotation and make a push for the playoffs. The team has been cautious with Cole's recovery, and his successful rehab stint could pave the way for his highly anticipated return to the major league club.

The details

According to manager Aaron Boone, Cole will join shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is also rehabbing with Somerset, on the mound on Friday. Volpe, who underwent surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder in October, played his first game with Somerset on Tuesday and is scheduled to continue his rehab assignment over the next few days.

  • Cole will make his first rehab start on Friday, April 19, 2026.
  • Volpe played his first game with Somerset on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • Volpe is scheduled to play with Somerset on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday this week.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees, Cole is a six-time All-Star and the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner. He has been sidelined since undergoing Tommy John surgery last March.

Anthony Volpe

The Yankees' starting shortstop, Volpe played through a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder for most of the 2025 season. He underwent surgery to repair the injury in October and is currently rehabbing with the Double-A Somerset team.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees, Boone announced that Cole will make his first rehab start with the Double-A Somerset team on Friday.

Carlos Rodón

A left-handed pitcher for the Yankees, Rodón underwent elbow surgery to remove bone chips in October and is expected to throw another live batting practice session on Saturday rather than begin a rehab assignment.

Zack Wheeler

A right-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, Wheeler is currently rehabbing and faced Volpe in his first game with Somerset on Tuesday.

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What they’re saying

“I have no complaints. Stamina was good. Pitches are fine -- they're good, they're good. I'm being a little nitpicky, but everything's good.”

— Gerrit Cole

“I want to run the bases. I want to dive. Those are kind of the checkpoints that I want to see out of myself. And then get into the flow of the season. Go night to day, go back to back. Get my innings up. I want to do that as soon as I can.”

— Anthony Volpe

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Cole's successful return from Tommy John surgery and Volpe's recovery from shoulder surgery are crucial for the Yankees as they aim to bolster their pitching staff and infield depth for a playoff push. The team has been cautious with both players' rehab, and their progress will be closely watched by fans and the organization.