Yankees' Gerrit Cole Could Pitch in Spring Games, But Return Timeline Unchanged

Cole confirms he may pitch in Grapefruit League games before end of spring training as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole confirmed on Friday that he may pitch in Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training, marking a significant milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. However, Cole remains on his expected 14-to-18-month timetable for return, which puts his potential return anywhere between June and October of this year.

Why it matters

Cole's return, whenever it happens, should provide a major boost to the Yankees' rotation, as he is a six-time All-Star and Cy Young award winner with a 3.18 career ERA. However, pitchers do not always quickly return to previous form after Tommy John surgery, sometimes needing upwards of a year to rediscover their prior success.

The details

Cole took a step forward with his first bullpen session since pitchers and catchers reported for spring training this week. He unveiled a slightly modified windup in his delivery and assessed the session as "well executed and, overall, pretty good." Yankees manager Aaron Boone had previously mentioned the possibility of Cole and Carlos Rodón, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery, pitching in exhibition games this spring, but the team will remain cautious with their ace.

  • Cole hasn't pitched in a game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
  • Cole missed all of the 2025 season as the Yankees won 94 games before getting bounced by the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series without him.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A New York Yankees right-hander who is recovering from Tommy John surgery and may pitch in Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees who has mentioned the possibility of Cole and Carlos Rodón pitching in exhibition games this spring, but will remain cautious with their ace.

Carlos Rodón

A New York Yankees pitcher who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery and may also pitch in exhibition games this spring.

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What they’re saying

“The target has always been between 14 to 18 months. That's what the research says. That's what the comps that we've looked at says and that's what it's always been.”

— Gerrit Cole (abc7ny.com)

“The last thing we want to do is push him early in the season just because looks like he does now. The reality is he didn't pitch last year on top of having that surgery, and we want to make sure we give him the proper time to make sure he is good and ready to come back, built up in a smart way. We won't rush that with him, even if it continues to go incredibly well.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (abc7ny.com)

“I'm a confident guy. I have high expectations for my execution internally. But, overall, in terms of performance and expectations, I don't really have any set goals or numbers or things like that. It's been working really to just stay day to day and execute the task at hand.”

— Gerrit Cole (abc7ny.com)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.