Gerrit Cole pitches scoreless inning in first spring training appearance since Tommy John surgery

Gerrit Cole made a triumphant return to the mound after a 377-day absence, pitching a scoreless first inning for the New York Yankees in an exhibition game against the Boston Red Sox. The right-hander looked sharp, throwing 10 pitches with seven strikes, showcasing his signature fastball that averaged an impressive 97.1 mph.

Cole’s first pitch of the game was a 96.6 mph fastball that was bunted for a single, but he quickly settled in and retired the next two batters. Sporting a slight beard, Cole displayed his altered windup with hands over his head, a new look for the Yankees ace.

The 35-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery last year and had not pitched in a game since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. After a long road to recovery, Cole showed promising signs in his first outing back on the mound.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone is optimistic about Cole’s progress and expects him to make his season debut in late May or early June. Cole’s 2024 season debut was delayed due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow, but he still managed to put up solid numbers for the Yankees.

Signed to a lucrative $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028, Cole has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in the league. With a career record of 153-80 and a 3.18 ERA over 317 starts, Cole’s return to form is a welcome sight for the Yankees as they look to contend in the upcoming season.

Overall, Cole’s performance in his first outing back on the mound is a positive sign for the Yankees and their fans. With his electric stuff and proven track record, Cole is poised to make a significant impact as he continues his journey back from injury.