Yankees Might Be Setting Up Gerrit Cole Return With Latest Roster Shuffle The New York Yankees made a strategic roster adjustment on Monday that appears to signal a shift in their plans for the pitching rotation. By optioning right-handed pitcher Elmer Rodriguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and recalling right-hander Yovanny Cruz to the major league roster, the team is prioritizing bullpen depth over adding another starting pitcher. This move suggests the Yankees are positioning themselves to welcome Gerrit Cole back to the majors if his rehabilitation continues to progress favorably. Cruz, a 26-year-old right-hander, has emerged as a reliable option in Triple-A, posting a 3.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP, and 23 strikeouts over 18 innings this season. His performance has earned him a spot in the Yankees’ active roster, where he will wear the number 96 jersey. The decision to bring him up as a reliever rather than a starter underscores the team’s focus on bolstering the bullpen, which has been stretched thin by recent demands. Cruz’s inclusion provides the Yankees with a fresh right-handed arm to address potential gaps in their relief corps, while keeping the door open for Cole’s potential return. Rodriguez, on the other hand, was sent back to Triple-A after a brief stint in the majors. The 22-year-old right-hander has struggled with command, posting a 4.15 ERA, 1.85 WHIP, and a subpar strike-throwing ability despite his solid stuff. His performance in three starts this season—six strikeouts and nine walks over 13 innings—has not met the expectations of a major league starter. By returning him to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees are giving him an opportunity to refine his mechanics and develop as a starter rather than forcing him into an uncomfortable role in the big leagues.#yankees #yovanny_cruz #gerrit_cole #elmer_rodriguez #scrantonwilkes_barre
Yankees Optimistic About Spring Training, Gerrit Cole's Tommy John Recovery New York Yankees star Gerrit Cole has expressed optimism about his recovery from Tommy John surgery, as he continues to make progress during spring training. The right-handed pitcher, who has been sidelined since undergoing the procedure last year, took another significant step in his rehabilitation with a dominant performance against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. Cole’s outing marked his second appearance of the spring and signaled that he is on track to return to the Yankees’ rotation within two months. Cole, who has been working closely with the team’s medical staff, showcased his pre-injury form during the game. He threw a six-batter inning, striking out three of the first four batters he faced without issuing a walk. His fastball reached speeds of 96 to 98 mph, with 11 pitches exceeding 96 mph. Despite allowing a 416-foot home run to All-Star third baseman Alex Bregman, Cole remained confident in his performance. “That was a good pitch,” he said, “but a better swing. So it’s the way it goes with good players sometimes.” The Yankees’ spring training camp has been a source of excitement for the team, with Cole’s recovery progress and the overall depth of the roster contributing to a positive atmosphere. Manager Aaron Boone highlighted the team’s strong start, noting that the competition for roster spots has been fierce. “I feel like we’re going to have competition brewing for opportunities throughout the year because of our depth,” Boone said. “And hopefully that remains with good health and good performance.” Cole’s journey back to full strength has been marked by patience and dedication. After a prolonged layoff since the 2024 World Series, he has embraced the opportunity to reconnect with the game’s intensity.#yankees #alex_bregman #san_francisco_giants #aaron_boone #gerrit_cole
Yankees' Gerrit Cole Struggles in Final Spring Training Test, 'Had Fun' Veteran right-hander Gerrit Cole, who missed the entire 2024 season for the New York Yankees after undergoing Tommy John surgery, expressed optimism following his second and final spring training appearance before returning to Florida for further preparation. Cole, 35, pitched 1⅔ innings in the Yankees’ spring finale against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Arizona, throwing 26 pitches while striking out three batters and allowing just one run—a home run by Alex Bregman. Cole, whose last official game came in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, will head to Tampa, Florida, for additional work and is projected to make his season debut in late May or early June. The Yankees’ season opener is set against the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday. During his outing, Cole’s fastball averaged 96.3 mph, with a peak of 98 mph. He utilized his full repertoire of pitches, including his knuckle curve, slider, sinker, changeup, and cutter. Of his 26 pitches, 17 were thrown for strikes. Cole described the experience as enjoyable, reflecting on the “level of talent, intensity, and demand” of the game. “It demands your focus and preparation, and I enjoy that,” he said. Signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028, Cole has a career record of 153-80 with a 3.18 ERA over 317 starts across stints with Pittsburgh (2013–2017), Houston (2018–2019), and the Yankees (since 2020). The Yankees also announced roster decisions, including sending Luis Gil to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to start the season. Manager Aaron Boone explained the move, stating Gil would likely join the minors to maintain a starting pitcher’s routine rather than stay with the team and serve as a reliever. “He was a little upset, but I feel like he’s in a good frame of mind,” Boone said.#chicago_cubs #yankees #alex_bregman #aaron_boone #gerrit_cole
