New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole had his second rehab start Sunday with the Double-A Somerset Patriots.
After throwing 45 pitches during his first rehab outing earlier in the week, Cole was slated to throw 55-60 pitches on Sunday.
In his second outing against the Hartford Yard Goats, Cole tossed 4.2 innings pitched allowing two hits, one run, no walks and four strikeouts on 57 pitches (44 strikes).
He struck out the final two batters and retired the final eight batters of his appearance.
Cole allowed a first-pitch home run to the second batter of the game but settled down nicely after that.
Cole said after Sunday's outing that he will have at least one more rehab start in the minor leagues before rejoining the Yankees for his 2024 debut. The Yankees may want to work him up to the 75-pitch mark just to be safe.
The Yankees don't need to rush Cole back, but it does seem he's inching his way closer to returning before the end of the month arrives.
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