Gerrit Cole Talks Final Spring Training Start for Yankees Before Opening Day Amid Elbow Injury Rehab

After missing all of the 2025 campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is set to return early in the 2026 season.

Cole had his final spring training outing on Tuesday, and he collected three strikeouts in 1.2 innings, giving up a home run to Alex Bregman in the matchup against the Chicago Cubs.

While it wasn't a lengthy appearance, Cole felt good about what he did on the mound.

"Good pitch, better swing, and that's the way it goes with good players sometimes," Cole told reporters of Bregman's homer. "I had some good shapes and some good spots, so all-in-all, pretty good day."

Cole hasn't had a healthy season since 2023 when he won his only Cy Young award. While it will take him some time to get ramped up and make his debut for the Yankees, the veteran is just happy to be having fun again.

"I had fun out there again," Cole said. "I think there's maybe a little greater appreciation for the game — the level of talent, the level of intensity and the demand of the game. It demands your focus, it demands your preparation, and I enjoy that."