Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole remains on track with his rehabilitation process after missing the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery.
But he doesn’t expect to be in the team’s rotation early next season.
Speaking Tuesday at ALS United Greater New York’s annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, Cole told The Post that his first phase of his ramp-up program is “coming to a close” within the next month, but that his timeline for returning to playing remains unclear.
Cole’s rehabilitation program began in August with 20 pitches on flat ground, and from then on he has slowly worked his way up.
Last week, he shared a video of himself making a play from a mound in the Yankees’ bullpen.
The 35-year-old is feeling good and is expected to throw a few more bullpen sessions before taking some time off around the holidays.
“After that, we’ll sit down and figure out what that means for next season,” the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner said.
Cole said he’s not sure when he’ll get the green light from team doctors to pitch in real games.
“They said Opening Day is probably out of the picture and that seems to make the most sense at this point,” Cole said. “But I don’t know exactly when after that. Hopefully as soon as possible.”
Cole appeared in two spring training games last year before undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.
The typical recovery time is about 14 months, which could mean Cole doesn’t return until around May or June.
Cole also spoke about his teammate Cody Bellinger, who is considering free agency.
“Cody is excellent,” Cole said. “I mean, I’ve never come across another player like Cody in my career. I mean, two other players come to mind. I think of Josh Harrison and I think of Sean Rodriguez when I was with the Pirates. Both players that I thought could play at least three Major League positions on an above-average defense. Cody fits those requirements, and also has a career OPS of .850, which is just in a different league. So a fantastic player, a fantastic clubhouse guy and a great family man.”
At Tuesday’s event, Cole received the Lou Gehrig Sports Award, which goes to athletes who exemplify the strength and values of the Iron Horse.
He called it a “tremendous honor.”
“Everything that Lou Gehrig stands for, everything that this organization does in the community, it’s something really special to be a part of,” Cole said. “To also be a New York Yankee, to represent the Yankees brand and to represent everything Lou stood for, both on and off the field.”
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