New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole took a big step Tuesday, facing hitters in a live bullpen session at Yankee Stadium for the first time since suffering an elbow injury during spring training.
This is a big step in Cole's throwing program. He's been progressing steadily over the last month and is targeting a return in the middle of June if all things go accordingly.
There will be more bullpens to come for Cole, but this was the biggest step yet for the Yankees' ace.
Gerrit Cole injury: Videos, news updates from live bullpen
Full pinstripes!
Full pinstripes for Gerrit Cole as he prepares for live BP. He’ll be facing Oswaldo Cabrera and Jahmai Jones. pic.twitter.com/2sMx2Xzv53
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2024
Starting off with a fly out
Gerrit Cole starts off with a fly out from Oswaldo Cabrera. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/g9Gzrvps3u
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) May 21, 2024
Cole gets Jahmai Jones looking
Here's a closer look at Gerrit Cole as Jahmai Jones goes down looking. #Yankees pic.twitter.com/V5hTFDKLdV
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) May 21, 2024
Another view from the visitor's dugout
View from the 3B dugout as Gerrit Cole faces Oswaldo Cabrera in live BP: pic.twitter.com/SXJlispwuV
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2024
20 pitches for Gerrit Cole ends it
Gerrit Cole wraps up his live BP session by facing Jahmai Jones. 20 pitches total this time out. pic.twitter.com/MZkkqlfXQC
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2024
Another alternate view
A look at some of the work Gerrit Cole did today 👀 pic.twitter.com/CgGYZKceGS
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) May 21, 2024
Touched 96 with his fastball
Gerrit Cole said he hit 96 mph during his live BP today. Matt Blake told him to cool it down, so he had to ease off a little bit. But Cole said that’s a good sign at this stage.
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2024
Won't rule out June return
Asked if it is realistic he could return in June, Gerrit Cole said: “I wouldn’t rule it out.”
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) May 21, 2024
Gerrit Cole's next bullpen
Gerrit Cole said he'll throw 2-3 total live sessions. Next one would be this weekend after 20 pitches today. He didn't rule out a June return. #Yankees
— Gary Phillips (@GaryHPhillips) May 21, 2024
For more Yankees coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
