As the New York Yankees navigate a turbulent stretch, manager Aaron Boone is sticking to a disciplined timeline for ace Gerrit Cole's return to the rotation. In a pregame press conference before Friday's Subway Series opener at Citi Field, Boone confirmed that Cole is slated for two more minor league starts before rejoining the big league club.

"The likelihood is two more [minor league starts] for [Cole], and then we'll be in a position to roll," Boone stated, emphasizing a patient approach despite mounting pressure.

Cole is scheduled to take the mound Saturday at 6:05 PM EST for the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders against the Syracuse Mets. Boone noted that the star right-hander is operating under a pitch count in the "mid-80s" as he builds up for a return expected before the end of May.

The Yankees are currently dealing with a wave of injuries that has tested their depth. Max Fried was placed on the 15-day IL with a left elbow bone bruise, while DH Giancarlo Stanton, outfielder Jasson Dominguez, and shortstop Jose Caballero are all on the 10-day IL. With the team losing six of their last eight games heading into the weekend series against the Mets, the temptation to rush Cole back is real—but Boone isn't biting.

"We don't want to take [Cole] off track for a short-term need," Boone remarked, prioritizing long-term health over immediate results.

Currently sitting two games behind the red-hot Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings, the Yankees are in need of a spark. But Boone's steady hand suggests that when Cole does return, he'll be ready to deliver the kind of dominance that makes him one of the game's elite arms. For now, patience is the play—and for Yankees fans, that wait could be well worth it.