New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is officially back.
The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner will make his return to MLB from the injured list Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles, per manager Aaron Boone.
It was speculated that the Yankees left Wednesday's spot open on the probables list in the event Cole was ready to return.
It appears that move will be official.
Gerrit Cole will be the starting pitcher for the New York Yankees on Wednesday at Yankee Stadium at 7:05 PM ET against the Baltimore Orioles, per Aaron Boone pic.twitter.com/IIx3Gd6JwZ
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) June 17, 2024
It's been a long wait for Cole's return after starting the season on the 60-day injured list due to elbow nerve inflammation.
After dropping two of the last three games in a series against the Boston Red Sox, the timing of Cole's return is perfect. This is especially true considering the Orioles are right behind the Yankees in the standings by 1.5 games entering Monday.
Cole made three rehab starts during the month of June, two in Double-A and his most recent in Triple-A. His most recent outing, which took place Friday night, was a dominant effort from the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner.
In his latest rehab appearance, Cole extended to 70 pitches. He tossed 4.1 innings allowing two hits, one run (unearned), no walks while striking out 10. He also generated 21 whiffs.
Cole is still working up past the point of throwing 70-80 pitches so he's not fully back yet, but the Yankees get their ace to return at the perfect time.
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