Yankees Share Encouraging Gerrit Cole Injury News

The Yankees' ace is scheduled to face live hitters in Hudson Valley on Sunday as he continues his Tommy John comeback.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:19pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball pitcher's motion broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric planes in muted tones of navy, forest green, and burnt orange.A cubist interpretation of Gerrit Cole's pitching motion captures the intricate geometry of the Yankees' ace as he nears his return from injury.NYC Today

The New York Yankees and manager Aaron Boone shared encouraging news about Gerrit Cole's injury recovery on Thursday, announcing that the team's ace is scheduled to face live hitters in Hudson Valley on Sunday. This is the latest step in Cole's comeback from Tommy John surgery in March 2025, and it comes as the Yankees' rotation has produced dominant results without their $324 million pitcher.

Why it matters

Cole's return is highly anticipated for the Yankees, who have gotten off to an 8-3 start this season despite his absence. The team's decision to place Cole on the shorter 15-day IL instead of the 60-day list has provided maximum flexibility as he works his way back. With the rotation thriving in his absence, the Yankees can afford to bring Cole back at a measured pace without urgency.

The details

Cole participated in two spring training games in March and touched 97.5 mph with his fastball during bullpen sessions earlier in camp. After watching one of those early bullpen sessions, manager Aaron Boone said Cole simply appeared to be his old, dominant self. Sunday's outing in Hudson Valley marks a pivotal box to check before Cole can make a full rehab start, which would be the final hurdle before a return to the Bronx.

  • Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025.
  • The Yankees have an 8-3 record through 11 games this season.
  • Cole is expected to make his return to the Yankees' rotation sometime in late May or the first week of June.

The players

Gerrit Cole

The New York Yankees' $324 million ace pitcher who is rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Max Fried

The Yankees' de facto ace this season, posting a 1.35 ERA across 20 innings with 14 strikeouts and a 0.75 WHIP through three starts.

Cam Schlittler

A second-year right-handed pitcher for the Yankees who has a 1.62 ERA through three outings this season.

Will Warren

The Yankees' third starter this season with a 2.70 ERA and 1.10 WHIP.

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What they’re saying

“After watching one of those early bullpen reps, Boone offered a telling observation — the right-hander simply appeared to be his old, dominant self.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

What’s next

Sunday's outing in Hudson Valley marks a pivotal box to check for Gerrit Cole before he can make a full rehab start, which would be the final hurdle before a return to the Bronx.

The takeaway

The Yankees' decision to place Cole on the shorter 15-day IL instead of the 60-day list has provided maximum flexibility as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. With the rotation thriving in his absence, the team can afford to bring Cole back at a measured pace without urgency, ensuring he is fully healthy before rejoining the starting staff.