Yankees ace takes big step in first rehab stint

Perhaps the most impressive part of the New York Yankees climb to the top of the American League East standings has been the fact they have done it without the services of ace starting pitcher and reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole. 

That might soon be changing.

Cole took a big step in his return to the Yankees on Saturday by pitching a simulated game in Tampa that saw him throw two 15-pitch innings. 

He has been recovering from a right elbow injury that has sidelined him since the early part of spring training. The injury did not require surgery, but has kept him from pitching all season. 

Cole said on Saturday that he hit all of his goals in the simulated game and that he did exactly what he was looking to do.

He is expected to pitch another simulated game against hitters in about five days. 

There is still no timeframe for his potential return to the Yankees rotation, but it is expected he will need a few minor league rehab starts before making his 2024 season debut in the majors. That leaves open the possibility for a late June or early July return.

If and when that happens, it will be a huge addition for a Yankees team that is already one of the best in the American League and has had a shockingly strong performance from its starting rotation. Adding Cole, one of the best pitchers in baseball into that mix, should make them one of the top World Series contenders in the league.

He is not back yet, but any progress is a positive sign. Saturday was another big step in that journey for him and the Yankees.