Yankees manager Aaron Boone broke some exciting news: Gerrit Cole is returning to the mound this Friday. This marks his first big league start since 2024, following a long recovery from Tommy John surgery in 2025.
Cole has built a solid reputation over his career. With a career ERA of 3.18 across nearly 2,000 innings, he’s been a reliable player. Remarkably, in 12 MLB seasons, he’s only had one year with an ERA above 3.88. Injury setbacks haven’t been common for him—the last decade saw him pitch over 116 innings every season and reach 200 innings in six of those years.
But things took a turn in 2024. After winning the Cy Young in 2023, Cole faced elbow issues early in the following season. He started 2024 on the injured list but managed to return and finish with a 3.41 ERA over 95 innings. In the postseason, he was impressive, posting a 2.17 ERA as the Yankees made their way to the World Series, where they lost to the Dodgers.
In spring training 2025, Cole’s elbow problems resurfaced, leading to surgery in March. He sat out the entire season, while the Yankees, surprisingly, did well without him. They picked up Max Fried, who took over as the ace and had a solid 2.86 ERA over 32 games. Unfortunately, the Yankees didn’t advance far in the playoffs, losing in the ALDS to the Blue Jays.
Now, with Fried recently out due to a bone bruise in his left elbow, Cole is stepping back onto the roster. It’s unclear when Fried will return, but this switch has led to some interesting dynamics. Cole’s rehab went well, with him throwing at least 4 1/3 innings in all six outings. Though his ERA was a bit high at 4.66, he allowed only three earned runs in his last two appearances.
This situation presents a dilemma for the Yankees. Fried, along with other pitchers like Will Warren, Cam Schlittler, and Ryan Weathers, have been performing well, all maintaining ERAs under 3.60. Carlos Rodón has struggled with a 5.63 ERA, but his season has just begun after returning from elbow surgery.
For now, Cole takes over Fried’s spot, allowing the other pitchers to keep their places. If Fried heals quickly, decisions will need to be made, especially if injuries strike again. Clarke Schmidt is also on the horizon, recovering from his Tommy John surgery from July.
This season is a testament to the unpredictability of sports and how quickly things can change for a team. Keeping an eye on these developments will be crucial as the Yankees navigate their pitching landscape.
For further information on Tommy John surgery and recovery, you can check this detailed report from the National Institutes of Health.
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