Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' ace and former Cy Young Award winner, took a monumental step in his comeback journey Friday night. In his first minor league rehab start since undergoing Tommy John surgery that cost him the entire 2025 season, Cole took the mound for the Double-A Somerset Patriots. The right-hander worked 4 1/3 innings, surrendering three runs on three hits, including a two-run homer, while striking out three. Most importantly, he showcased sharp command, throwing 36 of his 44 pitches for strikes against the Reading Fightin Phils.

This outing represents a critical checkpoint in a long road back for one of baseball's premier pitchers. The target was approximately 45 pitches, and Cole left the game with a 7-3 lead after fielding a ground ball to start the fifth inning. Yankees manager Aaron Boone, speaking before his club's game against Kansas City, summed up the sentiment: "Excited for him. Another good step along the way for him and hopefully everything goes smooth."

Cole wasn't the only Yankees star making progress in Somerset. Shortstop Anthony Volpe, rehabbing from surgery to repair a torn labrum in his left shoulder, also played, going 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, two runs scored, and a stolen base. His return to dynamic, all-around play is another huge boost on the horizon for the Bronx Bombers.

The Yankees' pitching staff is poised for a major reinforcement wave. In other rehab news, three-time All-Star left-hander Carlos Rodón is scheduled for another live batting practice session Saturday and is likely to begin a formal minor league rehab assignment next week. Rodón, recovering from October elbow surgery, is expected to need three rehab starts before rejoining the rotation. Getting both Cole and Rodón back healthy would be a game-changer for the Yankees' postseason aspirations, adding elite arms to a team built to win now.