Trending Now - Gerrit Cole Reflects on Rehab Journey and Spring Training Success

WHO:

Gerrit Cole, 35-year-old right-hander for the New York Yankees

Yankees manager Aaron Boone

Chicago Cubs player Alex Bregman

Chicago Cubs player Dansby Swanson

Yankees players including Paul Goldschmidt, Jazz Chisholm Jr., José Caballero, Ryan McMahon, Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Randal Grichuk, Amed Rosario

Yankees pitcher Luis Gil

WHAT:

Gerrit Cole allowed one run while striking out three in 1 2/3 innings during a Spring Training game against the Cubs, contributing to New York's 8-3 win.

Cole has not pitched in a Major League game since starting Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025 to repair a right elbow ligament.

Cole's fastball averaged 96.3 mph, topping out at 98 mph.

Cole has a 3.12 ERA in five seasons with the Yankees and is one of three active pitchers with at least 150 career wins.

Yankees finalized their Opening Day 26-man roster, including specific players for each position.

Luis Gil will be optioned to the Minor Leagues and is expected to rejoin the rotation on April 11, 2026.

WHERE:

Sloan Park, Mesa, Arizona (location of the Spring Training game)

George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, Florida (location of Yankees' spring training)

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg, Florida (location of Yankees' game on April 11, 2026)

WHEN:

March 2025 (Tommy John surgery)

March 26th, 2026 (date of the articles)

April 11, 2026 (date when Gil is expected to rejoin the rotation)

WHY:

Cole expressed a greater appreciation for the game after his rehab journey, emphasizing the demands of focus and preparation.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone noted Cole's strong outing as a continuation of progress.

HOW:

Cole showcased his entire pitching arsenal, including his 4-seamer, knuckle curve, slider, sinker, changeup, and cutter during the Spring Training game.

Cole threw 17 of his 26 pitches for strikes and induced six swings on his fastball, producing two whiffs.

(UPDATED March 26, 2026 00:32 UTC)

In a strong showing during a Spring Training game against the Chicago Cubs, Gerrit Cole allowed just one run while striking out three in 1 and two-thirds innings, helping the New York Yankees secure an 8 to 3 victory. This marks Cole's return to the mound after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025, and he showcased his impressive pitching arsenal, including a fastball that averaged 96.3 miles per hour. Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Cole's performance as a sign of continued progress as the team finalized their Opening Day roster, with pitcher Luis Gil expected to rejoin the rotation on April 11.