Trending Now - Gerrit Cole Set for Highly Anticipated MLB Return After 569 Days

WHO:

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole described his return as “lovely” and stated, “It felt really, really good to be out there.”

MLB.com - José Caballero made an error that contributed to the Rays' comeback in the eighth inning.

MLB.com - Jonny DeLuca exited the game with a right hamstring injury and is "likely" headed to the injured list, according to manager Kevin Cash.

MLB.com - Tampa Bay Rays CEO Ken Babby stated, "We appreciate the thoughtful engagement with City Council members and staff throughout this process, which from the start was focused on one common goal -- arrive at an agreement that is smart, fair and a win for everyone."

MLB.com - Jonny DeLuca exited the game with a right hamstring injury and is "likely" headed to the injured list, according to manager Kevin Cash.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole is set to make his first start on a Major League mound since October 30, 2024.

MLB.com - José Caballero is expected to be activated for the series opener against the Rays.

NY Post - Gerrit Cole will return to the mound for the first time since October 2024.

MLB.com - José Caballero is expected to be activated for the series opener against the Rays.

MLB.com - Aaron Judge stated, "I know he’ll definitely be amped up. There’s going to be some jitters, there’s going to be some nerves, but he never usually shows it."

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole, Yankees ace, and unanimous 2023 AL Cy Young winner.

MLB.com - Aaron Judge, Yankees captain.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones, Yankees outfielder and No. 6 prospect.

MLB.com - Yovanny Cruz, rookie right-hander for the Yankees.

MLB.com - José Caballero, infielder for the Yankees.

MLB.com - Aaron Boone, Yankees manager.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole pitched six scoreless innings, allowing two hits, three walks, and striking out two batters in his return.

MLB.com - The Rays improved their record to 34-15 and have won five straight games, including 22 of their last 26.

MLB.com - The Rays improved their MLB-best record to 34-15 and have won five straight games, including 22 of their last 26.

MLB.com - The Rays have recorded 14 comeback wins this season, with five of those occurring when trailing after seven innings.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole pitched six scoreless innings in his return from Tommy John surgery, allowing only one run on a homer by Austin Wells.

MLB.com - The Rays improved their MLB-best record to 34-15 and have won five straight games, including 22 of their last 26.

MLB.com - The Rays have recorded 14 comeback wins this season, with five of those occurring when trailing after seven innings.

MLB.com - The Rays won the game against the Yankees 4-2, marking their fifth straight victory.

MLB.com - The Rays improved their MLB-best record to 34-15 and have won five straight games, including 22 of their last 26.

MLB.com - Tampa Bay has recorded 14 comeback wins this season, with five of those occurring when trailing after seven innings.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole's return to the mound is set for tonight against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

MLB.com - Cole's final rehab start included 31 four-seam fastballs, with velocities ranging from 95.4 mph to 99.6 mph.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones recorded his first stolen base in the Major Leagues during a game against the Blue Jays.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole's return to the mound is set for tonight against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

MLB.com - Cole's final rehab start included 31 four-seam fastballs, with velocities ranging from 95.4 mph to 99.6 mph.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones recorded his first stolen base in the Major Leagues during a game against the Blue Jays.

MLB.com - Aaron Judge stated, "I think he’s just excited to get back on the mound and pitch in front of this fanbase. It’s going to be a rowdy crowd tomorrow."

MLB.com - Spencer Jones was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre along with rookie right-hander Yovanny Cruz.

MLB.com - In 10 games, Spencer Jones went 4-for-24 (.167) with two RBIs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole's first start is against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays.

MLB.com - Cole's final rehab start included 31 four-seam fastballs, with velocities ranging from 95.4 mph to 99.6 mph.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre late Thursday.

MLB.com - Yovanny Cruz made his debut by striking out three over two scoreless innings in a game against the Blue Jays.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones recorded his first stolen base in the Major Leagues during a game against the Blue Jays.

MLB.com - Jones went 4-for-24 (.167) with two RBIs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in his 10 games before being optioned to Triple-A.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole is set to make his first start on a Major League mound since October 30, 2024.

MLB.com - Cole underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025.

MLB.com - Cole's final rehab start on May 16 included 31 four-seam fastballs, ranging from 95.4 mph to 99.6 mph.

MLB.com - Spencer Jones was optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

MLB.com - Jones went 4-for-24 (.167) with two RBIs, three walks, and 12 strikeouts in 10 games.

MLB.com - Yovanny Cruz struck out three over two scoreless innings in his debut.

WHERE:

MLB.com - Yankee Stadium, New York.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The Yankees and Rays' game on Saturday has been postponed and will be made up as a split-admission doubleheader on September 22 at 1:05 PM ET.

MLB.com - The Rays are aiming to open their new "Forever Home" stadium in time for Opening Day in 2029.

MLB.com - Cole's first start is scheduled for tonight.

NY Post - Gerrit Cole's return is scheduled for Friday night.

MLB.com - Cole's first start is scheduled for tonight.

MLB.com - Cole's last Major League appearance was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

MLB.com - Cole's final rehab start occurred on May 16.

WHY:

MLB.com - Cole's return was characterized as a significant moment for the Yankees, with manager Aaron Boone noting, “We’ve got to find a way to beat that club.”

MLB.com - The decision to option Spencer Jones was influenced by José Caballero's expected return as the starting shortstop and Trent Grisham's day-to-day status due to left knee inflammation.

MLB.com - The Rays' comeback victory against the Yankees was described as "classic Rays fashion," showcasing their resilience and style of play.

MLB.com - The decision to option Spencer Jones was influenced by José Caballero's expected return as the starting shortstop and Trent Grisham's day-to-day status due to left knee inflammation.

MLB.com - The decision to option Jones was influenced by José Caballero's expected return as the starting shortstop and Trent Grisham's day-to-day status due to left knee inflammation.

MLB.com - Cole's return is significant due to his superstar status and the matchup against the division-rival Rays, who have the best record in baseball.

HOW:

MLB.com - DeLuca felt his hamstring grab while running out an infield single, which led to his exit from the game.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole adopted a new windup during his rehab process, lifting his hands over his head, which he has continued to use in his preparation for his return.

MLB.com - Cole adopted a new windup during his rehab process, lifting his hands over his head, which he has continued to use in his preparation for his return.

MLB.com - Gerrit Cole adopted a new windup during his rehab process, lifting his hands over his head, which he has continued to use in his preparation for his return.

MLB.com - Cole adopted a new windup during his rehab process, lifting his hands over his head, which he has continued to use.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 15:17 UTC)

Gerrit Cole made a triumphant return to the mound, pitching six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits and striking out two batters, and he described the experience as “lovely.” Meanwhile, José Caballero's error contributed to the Rays' comeback in the eighth inning, helping them improve their record to 34-15 with five consecutive wins. The Yankees and Rays' game originally scheduled for Saturday has been postponed and will now be played as a split-admission doubleheader on September 22 at 1:05 PM ET.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 11:17 UTC)

Jonny DeLuca left the game with a right hamstring injury and is likely headed to the injured list, according to manager Kevin Cash. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Rays improved their MLB-best record to thirty-four wins and fifteen losses, marking their fifth consecutive victory and their impressive twenty-second win in the last twenty-six games. Looking ahead, the Rays are aiming to open their new "Forever Home" stadium in time for Opening Day in 2029.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 07:44 UTC)

The Tampa Bay Rays celebrated their fifth consecutive victory after defeating the New York Yankees 4 to 2, improving their MLB-best record to 34 wins and 15 losses. However, the team faced a setback as Jonny DeLuca exited the game with a right hamstring injury and is likely headed to the injured list, according to manager Kevin Cash. In roster news, the decision to option Spencer Jones was influenced by José Caballero's anticipated return as the starting shortstop and Trent Grisham's ongoing day-to-day status due to left knee inflammation.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 06:00 UTC)

The Tampa Bay Rays have improved their MLB-best record to thirty-four wins and fifteen losses, marking their fifth consecutive victory and an impressive twenty-two wins out of their last twenty-six games. However, Jonny DeLuca exited the game with a right hamstring injury after feeling a grab while running out an infield single, and manager Kevin Cash indicated he is likely headed to the injured list. The Rays are also looking ahead, aiming to open their new "Forever Home" stadium in time for Opening Day on March 28, 2029.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 04:12 UTC)

Gerrit Cole is making his highly anticipated return to the mound tonight against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, marking his first start since October 30, 2024. In preparation for this moment, Cole has adopted a new windup and showcased impressive velocity during his final rehab start, throwing 31 four-seam fastballs ranging from 95.4 to 99.6 mph. Additionally, José Caballero is expected to be activated for the series opener, while Spencer Jones recently recorded his first stolen base in the Major Leagues, although he was optioned due to the return of Caballero and the day-to-day status of Trent Grisham.

(UPDATED May 23, 2026 01:32 UTC)

Gerrit Cole is set to make his return to the mound tonight against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, showcasing a new windup he adopted during rehab that involves lifting his hands over his head. In his final rehab start, Cole threw 31 four-seam fastballs, reaching velocities between 95.4 mph and 99.6 mph, while Aaron Judge expressed excitement about the atmosphere, saying it’s going to be a rowdy crowd. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones made headlines by recording his first stolen base in the Major Leagues during a game against the Blue Jays, but his optioning was influenced by José Caballero's expected return and Trent Grisham's day-to-day status due to knee inflammation.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 23:18 UTC)

Gerrit Cole is set to return to the mound for the first time since October 2024, with his comeback scheduled for Friday night. José Caballero is expected to be activated for the series opener against the Rays, which influenced the decision to option Spencer Jones and rookie right-hander Yovanny Cruz to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after Jones struggled in his ten games. During his rehab process, Cole adopted a new windup that involves lifting his hands over his head, a technique he continues to use as he prepares for his return.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 21:29 UTC)

Gerrit Cole is set to make his first start against the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays, following a successful rehab stint where he showcased impressive velocity, throwing 31 four-seam fastballs between 95.4 and 99.6 miles per hour. In roster news, Spencer Jones has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as the team prepares for José Caballero's return to the starting shortstop position, while Trent Grisham's status remains day-to-day due to left knee inflammation. Additionally, Yovanny Cruz made a strong impression in his debut, striking out three batters over two scoreless innings in a matchup against the Blue Jays.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 17:36 UTC)

Aaron Judge expressed confidence in Spencer Jones, noting that while there may be some jitters and nerves, Jones typically handles pressure well. In his recent stint, Jones recorded his first stolen base in the Major Leagues during a game against the Blue Jays, but he struggled at the plate, hitting just .167 with two RBIs before being optioned to Triple-A, partly due to José Caballero's expected return and Trent Grisham's injury. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole has been refining his game with a new windup during his rehab, lifting his hands over his head as he prepares for his return to the mound.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 15:55 UTC)

Gerrit Cole, the Yankees ace and unanimous 2023 AL Cy Young winner, is set to make his first start on a Major League mound tonight after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2025. His final rehab start on May 16 showcased his impressive fastball, clocking between 95.4 mph and 99.6 mph, while rookie Yovanny Cruz made a strong debut by striking out three over two scoreless innings. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre after struggling at the plate, and Cole's return is highly anticipated as the Yankees face off against the division-rival Rays, who currently hold the best record in baseball.