Gerrit Cole is set to make his first Yankees start in nearly 18 months.
Manager Aaron Boone told reporters before Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays that the Yankee ace will make his season debut on Friday, skipping his final rehab start. Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery just before the start of the 2025 season, last appeared in game action in game five of the 2024 World Series.
Cole's return brings a needed boost to the Yankee rotation, as Max Fried is expected to miss "a few weeks" with a bone bruise in his elbow. Carlos Rodon recently returned from offseason surgery as well.
Cole hasn't pitched a full season since 2023, when he won the American League Cy Young award after leading the league in ERA, WAR, WHIP, and innings pitched. He made 17 starts in 2024, pitching to a 3.41 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 95 innings.
Friday's game will be a 7:05 first pitch to begin a critical three-game series against the first-place Rays in the Bronx.
Aaron Boone told reporters that Cole will get the ball in a crucial series opener against the Rays.
Aaron Boone told reporters that Cole will get the ball in a crucial series opener against the Rays.
