Gerrit Cole makes a triumphant return
The New York Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole, has finally returned to the mound for his first live batting practice session since his major surgery. This milestone occurred on February 20, 2026, and marks a massive step forward in his journey to rejoin the starting rotation.
Fans at the spring training facility were absolutely buzzing as they watched their leader face off against actual hitters for the first time in nearly a year. It was a high-energy atmosphere that signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the veteran right-hander.
Surprising speed on the radar gun
During this intense practice session, Gerrit Cole shocked everyone by reaching a top speed of 96.9 mph with his powerful fastball. This level of velocity is incredibly impressive considering he has been sidelined since his procedure in March 2025.
Seeing those kinds of numbers so early in his recovery is a testament to the hard work he has put into his rehabilitation. He was consistently sitting in the 95 to 96 mph range throughout his brief stint on the mound.
Facing the best in the Bronx
It was not just any random group of hitters standing in the box as Cole faced off against superstars like Aaron Judge and Jasson Dominguez. Facing such high-quality competition allowed the coaching staff to get a real sense of where his stuff currently stands.
Even the veteran slugger Aaron Judge noted that Cole looked just like his old self as he attacked the strike zone with confidence. It was a heavyweight battle in February that gave everyone a glimpse of what is to come this year.
A long road back from surgery
The journey back started on March 11, 2025, when Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a significant elbow injury. Since that day, he has been focused on a meticulous recovery plan designed by the best medical experts in the world.
Missing the entire 2025 season was a difficult pill to swallow for both the player and the passionate Yankees fan base. However, the patience shown during the 14 to 18-month recovery window appears to be paying off in a major way.
The new over the head windup
One of the most noticeable changes during his live session was a slightly altered windup where Cole now puts his hands over his head. This tweak is a departure from his previous style, where he would stop his hands at his chest.
He mentioned that he discovered this new rhythm while throwing on the backfields during the summer months, and it felt natural for him. These little adjustments are often key for pitchers as they look to find comfort after a long layoff.
Positive reviews from the coaching staff
Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake was very pleased with the command and life that he saw from his star pupil on February 20, 2026. He described the session as sharp and was happy to see Cole get that first competitive hurdle behind him.
The organization is being very careful not to rush their ace back, but they cannot help but be excited by his current progress. Every pitch was monitored closely to ensure that his arm responded well to the increased intensity of live action.
Aaron Judge shares his honest reaction
The captain of the Yankees, Aaron Judge, could not hide his excitement after watching his teammate pump 97 mph fastballs into the catcher’s mitt. He said that if you did not know about the surgery, you would never have guessed he was hurt.
Judge has seen Cole work through many spring trainings, but this one felt special because of the adversity the pitcher has faced recently. Their mutual respect was on full display as they challenged each other during the midday practice session.
Targeting a return to the rotation
While the live session was a huge success, the Yankees are still targeting a regular-season debut sometime between May and June of 2026. They want to make sure Cole is at his absolute strongest for the heat of a pennant race.
Managing expectations is a big part of the plan as the team looks to balance immediate needs with long-term health for their best pitcher. The goal is to have him peaking when the games matter most in September and October.
Managing the recovery timeline safely
Manager Aaron Boone has been very vocal about the fact that they will not speed up the process just for the sake of a few early starts. He prefers a gradual build-up that allows Cole to recover fully without any unnecessary setbacks.
The medical team and Dr. Neal ElAttrache have been in constant communication with the Yankees to guide every single step of this rehab. Following the research-backed 14 to 18 month timeline remains the priority for everyone involved in the process.
Fun fact: Gerrit Cole is a massive nerd for political science and theater, which he actually studied at UCLA. He is also a huge foodie who goes by “Chef G” because he loves cooking and fine wine almost as much as striking people out.
The atmosphere at Steinbrenner Field
The training facility in Tampa, Florida, was the center of the baseball world as Cole stepped onto the rubber for those 20 pitches. There is a sense of optimism surrounding the team that was missing during the difficult 2025 campaign.
Teammates and staff members gathered around to witness the ace showcase his electric stuff once again under the bright Florida sun. It was a reminder of the impact one player can have on the morale of an entire clubhouse.
Overcoming the frustration of injury
Gerrit Cole admitted that the rehab process has been long and tedious, but he has found joy in small victories along the way. He missed the competitive outlet of working hard and feeling exhausted after a start every 5 days.
The mental hurdle of trusting his arm again was just as significant as the physical recovery of the ligament itself. Now that he has cleared this live batting practice obstacle, his confidence is clearly at an all-time high.
The importance of pitching depth
Even with Cole progressing well, the Yankees are making sure they have plenty of depth in the rotation to cover the early months of the year. They have brought in several arms to ensure the team stays competitive while their ace finishes his build-up.
This strategic approach takes the pressure off Cole to be a hero on day 1 of the regular season. It allows him to focus on his mechanics and health while the rest of the staff holds down the fort in the Bronx.
Curious how today’s MLB standouts were shaped long before the spotlight found them? Take a moment to explore the journey through the minors that helped turn raw talent into big league stars.
Final thoughts on the return of the ace
The surprising speed and command displayed by Gerrit Cole on February 20, 2026, have set the stage for a dramatic comeback story. His dedication to his craft is evident in every high-octane pitch he delivers during these practices.
As the season approaches, the baseball world will be watching closely to see if the Yankees ace can reclaim his throne at the top of the league. It is going to be an incredible journey for the man they call the train.
If you enjoy diving into the moments that spark debates and define careers, take a look at some of MLB’s most iconic home runs that turned players into legends.
Are you pumped to see Gerrit Cole back in the Bronx, or do you think the Yankees should keep him on ice a bit longer? Let us know your season predictions in the comments and drop a like if you believe the ‘Cole Train’ is bringing home a ring in 2026!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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