Yankees' Aaron Boone reveals rehab assignment date for ace pitcher

Cole has yet to pitch this season. The Yankees added him to the IL in spring training due to nerve inflammation and an edema in his right elbow. The 33-year-old took a notable step last weekend when he pitched a simulated game against the Tampa Bay Rays and threw two 15-pitch innings.

Despite the progress, Greg Joyce of the New York Post wouldn't be surprised if the Yankees use "a good chunk" of the 30-day rehab window, which makes sense. New York doesn't want Cole to rush back from the injury, re-aggravate it and miss more time.

Surprisingly, New York's pitching rotation has thrived without Cole. Through 60 games, the Yankees are first in baseball in ERA (2.74), seventh in strikeouts (516) and second in WHIP (1.12).

However, starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, who has recorded a 2.52 ERA in 11 games, was recently placed on the 15-day IL after suffering a right lat strain. He will not throw for four to six weeks, per CBS Sports' Mike Axisa, citing Newsday.

When Cole returns, he should help the Yankees avoid a potential drop-off. In 33 games in 2023, the ace won the American League Cy Young Award, posting a 15-4 record, a 2.63 ERA, 222 strikeouts and a 0.98 WHIP.