Gerrit Cole Set for 2026 Season Debut After 15-Month Recovery

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole is scheduled to make his 2026 season debut on Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays, following a 15-month recovery from Tommy John surgery. The 35-year-old right-hander has not pitched since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series.

Surgery and Rehabilitation Timeline

Cole was diagnosed with a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) after experiencing soreness following a spring training outing in March 2025. He sought a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache before undergoing Tommy John surgery that same month. The procedure and subsequent recovery caused Cole to miss the entire 2025 season.

"There's a part where you're a little angry at the game." — Gerrit Cole on being injured

Cole remained with the Yankees organization during his rehabilitation, living in Connecticut with his family. He balanced his recovery program with observing the team and participating in discussions with coaches. According to bullpen coach Preston Claiborne, Cole completed rehabilitation tasks at a faster rate than expected.

Cole described the recovery process as challenging, noting that he focused on daily milestones, such as being able to straighten or bend his arm, and maintained a pragmatic mindset throughout.

Pitching Mechanics and Pre-Game Routine

During his rehabilitation, Cole modified his delivery by incorporating an over-the-head motion in his windup. He has maintained a consistent pre-game routine that includes crouching behind the mound before each start to gather his thoughts and control his breathing. Cole has used this practice for years, a technique he learned from sports psychologist Dr. Ken Ravizza at UCLA.

Career Background

Cole was the first overall pick in the 2011 Major League Baseball draft. He has a career record of 153 wins and 80 losses, with two ERA titles and a Cy Young Award, which he won in 2023. He signed the largest contract for a pitcher in MLB history before the 2020 season.

Statements

"I missed it quite a bit. I'm confident. I'm optimistic, but I definitely know there's some work in front of us. It's just the right time to take the next step." — Gerrit Cole on his return

"Physically, he was on the path to stardom. I think what he really needed was the emotional part of things and the mental part of things." — UCLA head coach John Savage on Cole's development

"If we gave him an assignment or goals to hit, he would do it. He was able to accomplish things at a faster rate [than we expected]." — Preston Claiborne on Cole's rehabilitation