Gerrit Cole Shines with Confidence in Final Yankees Spring Start
Gerrit Cole demonstrated impressive performance in his final spring training start before returning to Tampa for rehabilitation. On March 24, 2026, he took the mound against the Chicago Cubs at Sloan Park in Mesa, Arizona. During this outing, Cole pitched 1 ²/₃ innings, allowing three strikeouts while averaging 96.3 mph on his fastball, peaking at 98 mph. The Yankees won the game 8-3.
Gerrit Cole’s Rehabilitation Journey
As he recovers from Tommy John surgery, Cole remains optimistic about his timeline. He anticipates a return to the big league mound as early as mid-May, as long as his rehabilitation progresses without complications. Cole stated, “All in all, pretty good,” while reflecting on his performance. He emphasized the strong execution and recovery noted throughout his rehab.
Spring Training Insights
- Innings Pitched: 1 ²/₃
- Strikeouts: 3
- Average Fastball Velocity: 96.3 mph
- Top Fastball Velocity: 98 mph
Despite his favorable results, Cole will dial down his pitching workload in the upcoming outings. His next appearance will take place in Tampa before he heads to New York for the Yankees’ home opener on April 3. After this game, the Yankees will consider commencing his rehab assignment.
Team Updates and Transactions
Ryan Weathers provided support for Cole during his final spring start. He pitched five innings, allowing one run and throwing 80 pitches. “I needed an outing like this after some ugly numbers in my last few starts,” Weathers remarked, acknowledging the need for quality pitches.
Additionally, the Yankees made headlines by trading infielder Zack Short to the Nationals in exchange for cash considerations. They also claimed reliever Osvaldo Bido off waivers by the Braves this week.
Cole expressed confidence in his progress but remains aware of the challenges ahead. “I’m very pleased with how things have gone,” he stated. The upcoming weeks will be crucial for both Cole and the Yankees as they prepare for the start of the season.
