Yankees Make Gerrit Cole Announcement Before Giants Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 25, 2026 2:23 PM ET

The New York Yankees did not make any major additions to their starting rotation this offseason aside from acquiring Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins to help solidify the back end of the staff.

There is likely a simple explanation for that approach. Right-hander Gerrit Cole is expected to return to the mound this year after missing the entire 2025 season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn UCL.

His absence was a massive blow for New York, which had to rely on Max Fried , Carlos Rodon and Cam Schlittler during the postseason. All three struggled, and the Yankees lack of pitching contributed to their early playoff exit.

New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Fortunately for the Yankees, that is not expected to be the case this season. Even though it is often difficult for pitchers to regain form after major arm surgery, Cole has shown encouraging signs throughout spring training, including a return of his velocity.

Cole made his second and final spring appearance on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out three of the five batters he retired while allowing only one hit, a solo home run to former teammate Alex Bregman.

Although Cole is not yet fully built up, his effectiveness was evident. On Wednesday, the Yankees made an announcement that offered even more optimism.

New York officially placed Cole on the injured list, a move that was expected since he is not ready for Opening Day. The IL designation was the most telling part of the announcement, as the Yankees placed Cole on the 15‑day injured list instead of the 60‑day injured list.

Following Tuesday’s game, the Yankees made the following roster moves:
• Placed LHP Carlos Rodón on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to 3/22) with left elbow surgery recovery.
• Placed INF Anthony Volpe on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to 3/22) with left shoulder…
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) March 25, 2026

Had he been placed on the 60‑day IL, he would not have been eligible to return until late May. This decision strongly suggests the Yankees expect him back well before then, barring any setbacks.

When Cole returns, it will be a significant boost. In his last season on the mound in 2024, the 35‑year‑old posted a 3.41 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 95 innings. His legacy remains one of the most impressive in baseball, as he is a former American League Cy Young winner, six‑time All‑Star and two‑time ERA champion across 12 seasons.

He is still searching for his first World Series title, one he hopes to win in the Bronx with the team he grew up rooting for. The Yankees know their championship hopes rise considerably once their ace is back atop the rotation.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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