When the New York Yankees announced that Gerrit Cole needed Tommy John surgery, it felt like a punch to the gut for every fan.
Cole isn’t just any pitcher; he’s the heart and soul of the rotation, the ace who carries the team on his back during the biggest moments.
Back in spring training, Cole sensed something was off with his elbow — a quiet warning sign that soon became a loud alarm.
Doctors confirmed the worst: a torn ulnar collateral ligament that meant surgery and a long, uncertain road to recovery.
For the Yankees, losing Cole was more than just losing a pitcher.
It was like watching the captain step off the ship during a storm, leaving the crew scrambling to keep things steady.
Suddenly, the 2025 season went from hopeful to filled with questions.
How would the rotation hold up? Could anyone fill the void left by one of baseball’s elite?
The First Signs of Life: Cole’s Return to Throwing
Despite the setback, the story isn’t one of despair but resilience.
Months into his rehab, Gerrit Cole has started throwing again — a critical step that gives the zxssYankees and their fans a renewed sense of optimism.
According to Meredith Marakovits, Cole’s throwing program began on schedule, with short throws from 20 feet on flat ground.
Gerrit Cole has begun his throwing program per @M_Marakovits.
He threw a distance of 20 feet on flat ground and is expected to return in 2026. pic.twitter.com/4auoUgkJqg
— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) August 11, 2025
Though modest, this milestone is significant — it marks the transition from healing to rebuilding strength.
The Yankees initially targeted August for this phase, and Cole’s hitting that timeline is a huge relief.
It’s as if after a long winter, the first buds are peeking through the frozen soil — fragile, but promising.
This measured progression underscores the care and patience required for a successful comeback from Tommy John surgery.
Rushing now could lead to setbacks, which every athlete dreads in a rehab journey filled with ups and downs.
What Lies Ahead: Timing and Expectations
While the progress is encouraging, the exact timing of Cole’s return remains uncertain.
Recovery from Tommy John isn’t a straight line; it’s a winding path that demands caution at every twist.
If all goes well, Cole could rejoin the Yankees’ rotation by June or July of 2026.
That midseason return would be perfectly timed for a team aiming to make a deep playoff run.
His presence on the mound in the summer would be like adding a turbocharger to the Yankees’ postseason engine.
Pitchers with his skill and mental toughness don’t just improve the rotation — they elevate the entire team’s confidence.
The Yankees, aware of this, are prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains.
Every throw, every bullpen session is a step toward ensuring Cole’s durability for seasons to come.
Why Gerrit Cole Means So Much to the Yankees
Cole’s impact goes beyond statistics, though those alone tell a compelling story.
In five seasons with New York, he’s maintained a 3.12 ERA, earned three All-Star selections, and won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award.
But what makes Cole invaluable isn’t just the numbers; it’s the way he commands the game.
He’s a pitcher who thrives under pressure, the kind of competitor who seems to grow stronger as the stakes rise.
Replacing an ace like Cole is nearly impossible, making his return a potential game-changer.
For the Yankees, getting him back healthy could be the difference between a good season and a championship run.
It’s like a symphony missing its lead violinist — the music can go on, but the magic is incomplete.