Gerrit Cole's Rehab: Sharp Command, Ace Stuff Looming

0:00It's April 24th, from first pitch to the final out. This is MLB News Today, powered by AI. I'm Cory with the story. Garrett Coles grinding his way back from Tommy John's surgery he had back in March 2025. The Yankees Ace just wrapped his second rehab start with High A. Hudson Valley, tossing four and one-third innings on 52 pitches with 42 strikes. He gave up two runs on five hits, including one homer, fan four, and didn't walk a soul. Building off last Friday's 44 pitch outing at double-A summer set, Col ramped it up a notch. He faced some heat, like stranding a runner on third and turning a double play with bases loaded early. Meanwhile, he struck out the side in the fourth after that homer. Yankees fans are buzzing because Coles' command looks sharp. Something pitchers often struggle with post-surgery. Due eight and two-thirds rehab innings, he's issued just one walk and landed 81.3% strikes on 96 pitches total. That's a big green flag for his recovery.

1:02No word yet on how many more rehab games he'll need, but he's sticking to that 14-month timeline. Expect his 2026 big league debut. No earlier than late May, keeping the rotation humming eventually. Coles' steady progress has the Bronx crew optimistic, and as he stacks more innings, that A-stuff could light up Yankees stadium soon.