New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will return to the major leagues on Friday when he pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays, marking his first start since the 2024 World Series [1, 2]. Cole missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in spring 2025 [1, 2].

Cole’s comeback has involved two spring training appearances and six minor-league rehab starts. In his most recent rehab outing last Saturday, he threw 5 1/3 innings, allowing one run and reaching a fastball velocity of 99.6 mph, the fastest he has thrown since September 2022 [1, 2]. Cole said, "So far, so good. It's been a good progression. The pitch count is steadily increasing. The recovery has been good, and the velocity and command are steadily increasing as well" [1].

Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced Cole’s return Tuesday before the team’s game against the Blue Jays. Boone said, "We just feel like he has done everything he needs to be ready to compete now at this level" [1]. The team accelerated Cole’s return due to an injury to fellow starter Max Fried, who will miss about one month with an elbow issue [1, 2]. Boone added, "We’ll see. We’re kind of talking about that here today, tomorrow, and we’ll make a call one way or another" about Cole’s readiness [2].

Cole has a nine-year, $360 million contract with the Yankees. He opted out after 2024 but quickly re-signed under the original terms [1]. Despite Cole’s absence, the Yankees hold a 29-19 record in 2026 and trail the Rays by three games in the AL East [1]. New York’s rotation ranks fourth in ERA (3.21), second in expected ERA (3.45), and first in WAR (6.0) this season [1]. Cam Schlitter has emerged as the Yankees’ ace with a 1.35 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 60 innings pitched over 10 starts, leading the AL in ERA [2].

Cole’s ERA across his six rehab starts is 5.28 over 29 innings [2]. His velocity, however, indicates he is nearing full strength. The Yankees hope his return will bolster their rotation as they chase the Rays in the division.

Cole is scheduled to start Friday’s game against Tampa Bay. That will officially mark his first major-league game since Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, nearly two years ago [1, 2].