New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole continues to ramp up his rehab from an elbow injury, and there was some encouraging news on his progress.
The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner extended out to making 50 throws at 120 feet Tuesday. This is likely one of the final steps before Cole makes his way to the mound for bullpen sessions, though it hasn't been confirmed when that will take place.
Manager Aaron Boone told reporters Tuesday that Cole is making good progress even if he may not immediately progress right into bullpen sessions. But that is going to be the next big step.
“Pretty aggressive in where he’s been throwing — I don’t necessarily think it means he’s getting on the mound immediately. It may be sometime next week. But I know at least so far in the process and how he’s done and how it’s going is encouraging," said Boone.
Cole has been adamant about taking his rehab day-by-day without rushing into the progress too much. He's already slated to be out until May 27 at the earliest, and there still has not been a confirmed date for when he will return.
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There have been reports that Cole is targeting a return date of June 1, but they won't truly know until he gets on the mound and starts throwing again in a more aggressive fashion.
Even though Cole missed the majority of Spring Training and started the season on the 60-day injured list, the Yankees ace has kept his arm live throughout the entire process. So it hasn't been a complete shutdown of his throwing arm.
Cole is likely going to need a full ramp-up similar to the six weeks of Spring Training, and it isn't clear when that will begin.
However, we do know that he's progressing well and that the next major step will be getting on the mound for bullpen sessions.
For more Yankees coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.