Yankees' Gerrit Cole Hits 96 MPH in First Live Bullpen Since Surgery

The star pitcher is on track to return to the rotation in May or June after missing all of 2025 following Tommy John Surgery.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole faced live hitting for the first time since undergoing Tommy John Surgery, reaching 96 MPH on his fastball and striking out a batter. Cole, who missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing, is expected to return to the rotation sometime in May or June.

Why it matters

Cole is a key part of the Yankees' rotation, and his return will be crucial as the team looks to bounce back from a season where they were weakened by injuries to their starting pitchers. His recovery and performance will be closely watched as the Yankees aim to contend for a World Series title.

The details

In the live bullpen session, Cole faced a lineup that included star players Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, and Jasson Dominguez. He reached 96 MPH on his fastball and recorded a strikeout, showing promising signs of his recovery from Tommy John Surgery. The Yankees are hopeful Cole can return to the rotation in May or June, though he has maintained a 14-18 month timeline for his recovery.

  • Cole missed the entire 2025 season rehabbing after undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
  • Cole is expected to return to the Yankees' rotation sometime in May or June 2026.

The players

Gerrit Cole

A star pitcher for the New York Yankees who missed the 2025 season due to Tommy John Surgery.

Aaron Judge

A star outfielder for the New York Yankees who faced Cole in the live bullpen session.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder who faced Cole in the live bullpen session.

Jasson Dominguez

A highly touted Yankees prospect who faced Cole in the live bullpen session.

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What’s next

Cole could feature in a Grapefruit League game later in Spring Training as he continues his recovery.

The takeaway

Gerrit Cole's strong showing in his first live bullpen session since Tommy John Surgery is an encouraging sign for the Yankees as they look to get their rotation back to full strength. His return timeline remains uncertain, but the team is hopeful he can rejoin the rotation in the first half of the 2026 season.