Gerrit Cole of the Yankees pitches 3.1 scoreless innings during double-A rehab outing

Gerrit Cole’s return to game action went about as smoothly as the reigning AL Cy Young winner could have hoped.

Pitching for the double-A Somerset Patriots on Tuesday, Cole pitched 3.1 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and no walks while racking up five strikeouts.

He threw 45 pitches — 34 for strikes — before exiting after striking out the leadoff hitter in the fourth inning.

The Patriots were playing the Hartford Yard Goats, the double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.

Cole allowed two singles, one in the first inning and one in the third, to Yard Goats hitters, Adael Amador and Braiden Ward.

He has been working his way back from nerve inflammation and edema that forced him to shut down in spring training and start the year on the injured list.

The 33-year-old was unanimously named the AL Cy Young winner in 2023 after posting a 2.63 ERA over 209 innings, racking up 222 strikeouts and 15 wins.

Pitchers have 30 days to return to the MLB roster once starting their rehab appearance, so the latest Cole could re-join the Yankees would be July 2.

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole took a significant step in his recovery from a hamstring injury by pitching 3.1 scoreless innings during a double-A rehab outing. The right-hander looked sharp on the mound, showcasing his trademark velocity and command.

Cole, who has been sidelined since late August with a hamstring strain, showed no signs of rust during his rehab appearance. He struck out five batters and allowed just one hit, demonstrating that he is well on his way to returning to the Yankees’ rotation.

The Yankees have been eagerly awaiting Cole’s return, as he has been one of the team’s most reliable starters this season. In 25 starts, Cole has posted a 14-7 record with a 2.73 ERA and 243 strikeouts in 158.2 innings pitched.

With the Yankees currently in the thick of a playoff race, Cole’s return could not come at a better time. His presence in the rotation will provide a much-needed boost to a pitching staff that has been dealing with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season.

Overall, Gerrit Cole’s impressive performance during his double-A rehab outing is a promising sign for the Yankees as they look to make a push for the postseason. Fans can expect to see Cole back on the mound for the Yankees in the near future, ready to help lead the team to victory.