New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole will make his season debut Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, manager Aaron Boone announced Tuesday.
Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2025, hasn't started an MLB game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.
The 35-year-old has pitched in six minor-league games this season during his rehab process. In his latest start, Cole threw 5 1/3 innings while allowing just one run, with his fastest pitch hitting 99.6 mph.
Elmer Rodríguez was initially scheduled to start Friday before being optioned to Triple-A on Monday.
"So far, so good," Cole said Saturday of where his rehab process stands, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "It's been a good progression. The pitch count is steadily increasing. The recovery has been good, and the velocity and command are steadily increasing as well."
Cole's return to the rotation will give the Yankees' pitching staff a boost after Max Fried landed on the 15-day injured list last week as a result of a bone bruise in his left elbow.
Cole won the 2023 American League Cy Young Award and has earned six All-Star nods during his 12-year career.
