By Joiner Martínez
May 25, 2024, 10:19 PM EDT
Right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole continues to take steps in his recovery after an injury to his right elbow that has not allowed him to pitch in the Major Leagues so far in the 2024 season.
This Saturday, Cole was able to throw two 15-pitch innings in a simulated game against minor league hitters.
The 2023 American League Cy Young winner with the Yankees held the session at Derek Jeter Field in front of his family and a large gathering of rookie-level players at the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa, Florida. .
“We met all of our goals,” Cole said. “We did exactly what we wanted to do today. We threw a lot of strikes, very well.”
Cole threw to hitters for the first time since spring training before Tuesday night’s game against Seattle at Yankee Stadium. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner looks to face hitters again in about five days.
“Continue with the recovery and try to get back on the mound midway through next week,” Cole said.
Cole would likely need four or five minor league starts before rejoining the Yankees, a timeline that makes a late June return possible.
Gerrit Cole mentor of Luis Gil with Yankees
Dominican pitcher Luis Gil has made it clear that part of his success so far this season is due to the advice of someone he calls his “teacher” but is actually his teammate, Gerrit Cole.
Multiple New York Yankees players have stated that although Cole has not been able to pitch this season due to an elbow injury, he has assumed the role of being an advisor to his teammates, especially young starters like Luis. Gil and Clarke Sdcimith.
During last Thursday afternoon during the last game of the series between the Bronx Mules vs. the Seattle Mariners, Luis Gil had an epic outing by pitching six and a third scoreless innings, giving up just five hits, two walks and He struck out eight.
However, there was a moment in which Gil found himself in trouble with runners on board, two outs and left-hander Luke Raley in front of him, he looked a little desperate, but nothing that a look at Gerrit Cole in the dugout couldn’t. solve, who signaled him to stay calm and then get out of the situation.
Keep reading:
Gerrit Cole faced batters for the first time on the mound at Yankee Stadium in 2024 [Video]
Gerrit Cole continues to make excellent progress in his recovery and is approaching his return with the Yankees
‘We’re making good progress’: Gerrit Cole threw 29 pitches averaging 89 mph [Video]