MLB Rumors: Gerrit Cole Return Date Uncertain Despite Latest Progress? Yankees Ace Inches Towards Return

While the sun is free of that eclipse, the New York Yankees’ sun is still partially under darkness. With their ace Gerrit Cole just beginning to play catch, the Bronx Bombers have a long road ahead of them. However, the fact that Cole’s rehab is currently going according to the plan does have a positive impact. Sometimes just being on schedule is better than anything else. But then, there’s no clarity regarding Cole’s schedule. 

At least that’s what Cole recently shared. While the defending Cy Young winner’s comeback is imminent the superstar couldn’t reveal the expected date of his return. Despite a good training season, Cole shared that it’s still “too early to predict” a possible return date. 

A report by the New York Post revealed that Gerrit Cole is expected to have two more throwing sessions this week. However, the ace wasn’t sure what his exact schedule was. While this is just the beginning of Cole’s rehab it’s quite good that he has begun throwing just three weeks into his shutdown. 

The pitcher threw 25 light throws from 60 feet before the Yankees’ game against the Miami Marlins. Cole shared that the session went “great. I felt good.” The Yankees’ ace is expected to be out for at least six more weeks. That’s the minimum amount of time he’d need to rebuild his arm to join the rotation. However, the Yankees are choosing to take this as a positive news. Partly because there were assumptions that Cole’s UCL stress was a sign of an impending surgery. Perhaps that’s why the skipper looked ecstatic with his ace’s progress.

Gerrit Cole’s progress helps the Yankees see the light

Aaron Boone said, “This is another benchmark. The work he’s done has gone well. It’s another important step, but there are a lot more steps along the way. We’re encouraged and hope it builds momentum.” While Boone did note that there was a long road ahead, his happiness was palpable.

However, the Yankees’ pitching staff has performed quite well during their ace’s absence. The team’s 9-2 record is an evidence of that. This was visible again yesterday when the Bronx Bombers shut down the Marlins and won the game 7-0 in just 2:01 hours. Nestor Cortes Jr. finally showed a glimpse of a return to his old better ways. Similarly, the bullpen has also stepped up to support the Yankees’ World Series push. 

But it’s quite undeniable that Cole’s presence is irreplaceable for the Bronx Bombers. Perhaps that’s why the team is continuing to hope for Cole to arrive as early as possible. And with the way his progress is going, perhaps those hopes could turn into reality soon.

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