Yankees' Gerrit Cole Says He Needs More Throwing Sessions Before Rehab Assignment

Gerrit Cole is yet to pitch in a game this season as he works his way back from elbow nerve inflammation, but he is not quite ready for a rehab assignment yet.

Meredith Marakovits of YES Network reported Cole threw to hitters Tuesday and said he felt good. However, he also said he needs to throw to hitters one or two more times before he is ready to go out on a rehab assignment.

The Associated Press noted he threw 20 pitches to Oswaldo Cabrera and Jamai Jones ahead of Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners.

He has also thrown five bullpen sessions ahead of batting practice as he continues his rehab.

Cole has not had to deal with many injuries costing him time throughout his career. He led the league in starts in each of the last two seasons and made 30 or more starts every season since 2016 outside of the shortened 2020 campaign.

When healthy, he is one of the best pitchers in all of baseball with a resume that includes last year's American League Cy Young, two ERA titles and six All-Star Game selections.

The 33-year-old posted a 2.63 ERA, 0.98 WHIP and 222 strikeouts in 209 innings last season. He led the league in ERA, starts (33), innings and WHIP.

To the Yankees' credit, they have played well even without their ace and sit atop the American League East standings with a 33-16 record. They are two games ahead of the Baltimore Orioles for first place in the division and currently have the best record in the American League.

Marcus Stroman has been a critical addition this season and has a 3.05 ERA, 1.30 WHIP and 48 strikeouts in 56 innings while helping make up for the loss of Cole.

When the ace returns, they will be quite the one-two punch as the Yankees pursue a postseason spot.