Yankees' Gerrit Cole begins throwing program following Tommy John surgery

Gary Phillips, New York Daily News on Aug 11, 2025

Published in Baseball

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NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole took a significant step in his recovery from Tommy John surgery on Monday, as the Yankees’ sidelined ace began his throwing program.

The pitcher, now sporting a throwback mustache on his upper lip and scar across his right elbow, made 20 throws off flat ground before the Yankees kicked off a three-game series with the Twins. Cole said the session went well, and he was pleased with himself for being “fairly accurate.”

“I’d been building up to it for a few weeks,” he continued, “so it was nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”

Aaron Boone, meanwhile, said that he was “excited” for the 2023 American League Cy Young, who needed his ulnar collateral ligament reconstructed — with the assist of an internal brace — back in March.

“He’s done a good job with rehab,” Boone said, “and this is one of those cool markers along the way that you know is significant to hit.”

Now that he’s made his first throws, Cole isn’t exactly sure what his upcoming rehab schedule looks like. He said his initial progression will take “a few months,” though.

“We’re right at the beginning of it, and there’s no rush,” said the veteran, who will not pitch again this season.

Cole said his next big step is to get off the mound. Once he does that a few times, he’ll shut down before embarking on what he expects to be a “relatively” normal offseason.

The 34-year-old added that his rehab will move to his native California in the winter.

Back in May, Cole didn’t completely rule out starting the 2026 season on time, but he also said he was anticipating a 14-month recovery, even with the brace. That would put him on track for a late-May or June return next year.

With that in mind, the Yankees are expected to be without two of their top starters at the beginning of the 2026 season. Clarke Schmidt also underwent Tommy John surgery last month; he hopes to return after the 2026 All-Star break.

Reliever Jake Cousins also underwent Tommy John surgery this season. He had the operation in June.