Yankees Announce Gerrit Cole Change During Rehab Assignment

The 2023 AL Cy Young award winner began his first rehab start on April 17 with Somerset before heading back down to Hudson Valley for his second rehab start on April 23, and now heads back to the Double-A club once again for his third start. Across two starts, he has allowed five earned runs on eight hits over eight 2/3 innings, posting a 5.19 ERA with seven strikeouts and one walk. 

The runs have been a minor concern, as the Yankees are more focused on his command. In his second start at Hudson Valley on April 23, he threw 42 strikes out of 52 pitches without giving up a walk. His seven strikeouts also show that his strikeout stuff is still there. 

New York’s rotation has been shorthanded without Cole and fellow starter Carlos Rodon, who is also rehabbing from elbow surgery. The Yankees have had to lean on a young staff that has performed well above expectations. Max Fried , Cam Schlittler, Will Warren and Ryan Weathers have helped New York to build a 20-11 record, the best in the American League and the top spot in the AL East. 

The starting rotation without Cole and Rodon has pitched to a 2.70 ERA, allowing 128 hits, 16 home runs, 44 walks, while striking out 178 batters. Opposing offenses are batting .203 with a .584 OPS. 

The Yankees have not said how many more rehab starts Cole will have before he makes his 2026 debut, but his return is expected sometime between late May and early June. The six-time All-Star carries a career ERA of 3.18 over 317 starts, and with a fully healthy rotation, including both Cole and Rodon, alongside an already strong young staff, the Yankees have a great look heading into May.