Gerrit Cole has made encouraging progress in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, as he has begun throwing off a mound. A video posted to his Instagram Stories on Saturday showed Cole delivering a strike while standing on a mound in the Yankees’ bullpen, marking a significant step forward in his rehabilitation.
Cole initially started his throwing program in August, beginning with 20 pitches off flat ground. Though he is not expected to be ready for Opening Day, this development offers a promising sign for the Yankees’ ace as he continues to work back to full strength.
The 35-year-old right-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11, following just two spring training appearances last year. His absence forced the Yankees to navigate the entire 2024 season without their 2023 Cy Young Award winner and six-time All-Star. The team also faced other pitching setbacks, with reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil not making his first start until August, and Clarke Schmidt undergoing Tommy John surgery on July 11. Schmidt is not expected to return until after the All-Star break at the earliest.
In addition, general manager Brian Cashman has estimated that Carlos Rodón will be sidelined until April or early May of next season after surgery to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur in his left elbow.
Cole’s eventual return remains a key variable for New York’s pitching plans in 2026. Though an experienced starter who made just 17 starts with a 3.41 ERA in 2024, rediscovering his vintage form would provide the Yankees with a formidable 1-2 punch alongside Max Fried. The team also has Rodón, Gil, Schmidt, and young flamethrower Cam Schlittler as potential options to fill out the rotation once fully healthy.
Reflecting on the initial throwing session in August, Cole said, “I was fairly accurate and had a good time. It’s a big one, first day throwing. Been building up to it for a few weeks, so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”
While there remain many steps and checkpoints before Cole can return to game action at Yankee Stadium, his latest progress and the glimpse he offered represent a positive milestone in what will be an arduous recovery process.
https://nypost.com/2025/11/01/sports/yankees-gerrit-cole-back-throwing-off-mound-in-positive-tommy-john-recovery-step/
