Gerrit Cole Returns, Strikes Out 3 in Rehab Debut Sport By lines April 18, 2026 Gerrit Cole made his first Yankees rehab start on Friday at Double-A Somerset. Cole threw 44 pitches over 4 1/3 innings against Reading. Cole allowed 3 runs and struck out 3 batters. Cole recorded 36 strikes across 44 pitches. The outing marked Cole’s first competitive appearance since Tommy John surgery 13 months ago. How Cole’s Rehab Timeline Shapes the Yankees Rotation The Yankees placed Gerrit Cole on the 15-day injured list on March 25, 2026. Cole missed the entire 2025 season after Tommy John surgery. Somerset hosted Reading, a Philadelphia Phillies Double-A affiliate, at TD Bank Ballpark. Cole was scheduled to throw as many as 40 pitches in the outing. The Yankees project Cole’s return to the MLB roster in late May or early June. Cole has logged one rehab start to date. Cole has not pitched in an MLB game since the 2024 season. The Tommy John surgery required 13 months of recovery before Cole’s first competitive outing. The Double-A Somerset outing represents Cole’s first minor league appearance of 2026. Reading, the Phillies’ Double-A affiliate, plays in the Eastern League. Cole’s next rehab start projects to carry a higher pitch count. The Yankees entered April 17 with Cole absent from the active roster. Related Sports Coverage Justin Verlander Injury Recovery Slows for Tigers More sports news on Lines.com Source: ESPN.
