Yankees ace takes huge step towards MLB return

Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees’ ace, is nearing a return from the disabled list.

Cole’s next rehab start will be at Triple-A with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Railriders, following two outings in Double-A with the Somerset Patriots.

Cole’s next start will be on Friday, June 14, with a projected pitch total of about 65-70 pitches.

Cole has made two rehab appearances thus far. During his first rehab appearance, the reigning Cy Young Award winner went 3.1 innings without allowing a single run on 45 pitches.

Cole threw 4.2 innings against the Hartford Yard Goats, giving up two hits, one run, no walks, and four strikeouts on 57 pitches (44 strikes).

It’s uncertain how many more rehab starts Cole will need before returning. Working him up to 70 pitches indicates that he is getting close, but they may also consider extending his rehab assignment considering that the Yankees had the best record in baseball as of Friday.

In any case, the Yankees’ ace is getting closer to returning to Major League Baseball.