New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is nearing his MLB return, and the team may have given a strong sign of when that will be.
After the Yankees wrap up a weekend series Sunday night at Fenway Park against the Boston Red Sox, they will be back home in the Bronx to host the Baltimore Orioles for the first time this season.
In the game notes ahead of the series against the Orioles, the probable pitchers for the Yankees has a "TBA" for the Wednesday slot.
Yankees probables for the upcoming Orioles series:
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) June 16, 2024
Tuesday: Nestor Cortes
Wednesday: TBA (Gerrit Cole?)
Thursday: Luis Gil
Probables are always subject to change—hence the term. It could mean Cole is set to return Wednesday, which would mark his MLB debut. It could simply mean the Yankees are keeping the date open once a decision has been made.
Cole has 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 he 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 was described as "giddy" when he spoke to reporters before Saturday night's game at Fenway Park, though he admitted they hadn't had a discussion about his return at that point.
Either way, Cole seems to be about as close as possible to making his MLB return, and there's a chance it comes next week against the Orioles.
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