Cole tosses from flat ground, a key step in recovery from Tommy John
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NEW YORK – The session didn’t last long, a blink-and-you-missed-it sequence of 20 tosses on flat ground across the Yankee Stadium outfield on Monday afternoon. But for Gerrit Cole, it represented one of the most anticipated events of his summer.
Cole’s recovery from Tommy John surgery entered a new phase ahead of the Bombers’ game against the Twins, with the right-hander officially beginning a throwing program that targets a big league return early in the 2026 season.
“It’s a big one, the first day throwing,” Cole said. “I’ve been building up to it for a few weeks, so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”
Unable to lift his arm after a March 6 exhibition outing, Cole underwent surgery on March 11, performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
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The procedure included the insertion of an internal brace, which is intended to protect against reinjury or setbacks during the first year.
Cole has said he is planning on a 14-month recovery, which would set his target date for approximately mid-May.
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“I’m excited for him,” manager Aaron Boone said. “He’s done a good job with rehab, and this is one of those cool markers along the way that is significant to hit.”
Cole said he expects to pitch from a mound by the end of this year. At that point, he will shut it down and move into an offseason training phase, with most of that work taking place near his California home.
“We have a good setup in California and good communication; I can upload my throwing program to the platform, so we’ll pretty much talk every day,” Cole said.
For now, Cole remains an interested observer as the Yankees look to correct a summer slide that has seen them drop three consecutive series entering play Monday.
For example, Cole said he sees progress from rookie right-hander Will Warren, who drew the start in Monday’s series opener.
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“His ability to keep adjusting and stay really even-keeled through some of the good outings, some of the less than desirable outings,” Cole said. “He’s learning every step of the way. The last outing [at Texas on Aug. 5] was pretty good for him; bend, don’t break.
“I think he’s working on trying to figure out how he can be just a little bit more efficient and get deeper in the ballgame – kind of like we all are right now.”