Yankees' Gerrit Cole Says He Can Pitch in Spring Training, Latest Injury Update and Return Timeline

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole told reporters said he may pitch in some spring training games this year as he continues his rehab after undergoing successful Tommy John surgery last March, per ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

Cole stressed however, that the timeline to return is 14-to-18 months, meaning he will miss the start of the 2026 season.

"The target has always been between 14 to 18 months," Cole said. "That's what the research says. That's what the comps that we've looked at says and that's what it's always been."

Cole has been making positive strides, however. He threw his first bullpen session on Friday, one day after Yankee pitchers and catchers reported to Tampa for spring training.

Per Castillo, "Yankees officials have reiterated they believe Cole will return in June." That would be at the front end of the 14-to-18 month timeline.

The 35-year-old Cole is a six-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young winner who has pitched in 12 MLB seasons. His last full season was 2023, when Cole went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA (0.98 WHIP) and 222 strikeouts in 33 starts.

Unfortunately, Cole's 2024 season was held to 17 regular season starts after he dealt with inflammation in his right (pitching) elbow. He went 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA (1.13 WHIP) and 99 strikeouts in 95 innings.

Cole missed all of 2025 and will miss at least a few months of 2026. The Yankees are also shorthanded in the rotation with Carlos Rodón expected back in late April or early May after undergoing surgery last October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur. Clarke Schmidt is also recovering from Tommy John surgery, which was done in July.

The Yankees' rotation on paper to start the year appears to be Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Luis Gil and Ryan Weathers. New York opens the season on Wednesday, March 25 at the San Francisco Giants.