Pitcher Gerrit Cole throws 20 balls on level ground as part of recovery from Tommy John surgery procedure.
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' ace pitcher, is on track for a return to the mound in mid-May 2026, following a successful Tommy John surgery in March 2025. The 32-year-old right-hander, who signed a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028, has been diligently working on his recovery.
Cole underwent ligament reconstruction with an internal brace, a procedure designed to promote stability and potentially speed up recovery. After the surgery, his arm was initially casted and then placed in a brace. The throwing program started five months later, on August 11, 2025, by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
Cole's first throwing session consisted of 20 pitches from flat ground, a significant milestone in his rehab. He has been progressing steadily since then, following a cautious and structured rehabilitation plan. The Yankees manager, Aaron Boone, and Cole himself have emphasised the importance of a careful approach, aiming for a return early in the 2026 MLB season, around May or June.
The typical recovery time for Tommy John surgery is about 14 months, and Cole's 14-month rehabilitation period aligns with this timeline, especially with the internal brace aiding the process. After progressing on flat ground throws over the next months, Cole will advance to mound throwing, followed by a period of shutdown to allow healing.
Despite missing the entire 2025 season, Cole's career statistics are impressive. In 317 starts across 12 major league seasons, he has a record of 153-80 and a 3.18 ERA. He has also pitched 1954 innings in the regular season, along with 133 1/3 additional innings in 22 postseason starts.
In the 17 starts for the Yankees before his injury, Cole had a record of 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA. He also performed well in the postseason, going 1-0 with a 2.17 ERA in five starts in 2023.
As Cole continues his rehab, Yankees fans eagerly await his return to the mound. His talent, determination, and the internal brace used in his surgery offer hope for a strong comeback in the 2026 season.
[1] Cole Undergoes Tommy John Surgery [2] Cole's Brace Removed in Mid-April [3] Cole Starts Throwing Program in August [4] Cole's Delayed 2024 Season Debut [5] Cole's Progress in Rehab
[1] Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' star pitcher, undergoes Tommy John surgery in March 2025, a procedure aimed at promoting stability and potentially speeding up recovery for baseball players.
[2] After several months of rehabilitation, including ligament reconstruction with an internal brace, Cole's arm is casted and then placed in a brace. In mid-April 2026, his brace is removed, marking another significant step in his recovery.
