Yankees might pitch Gerrit Cole vs. Rays for season debut on Friday instead of scheduling final rehab start

The New York Yankees currently do not have a starting pitcher slated for Friday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays . That might mean Gerrit Cole makes his season debut against the first-place Rays. That turn in the rotation would have given Elmer Rodríguez the starting nod.

However, the Yankees sent Rodríguez to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Monday. With an opening in the rotation, the team is reportedly considering activating the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner on Friday, rather than scheduling him for a final rehab start. Cole’s performance in his latest rehab start is certainly a factor in that thinking.

He hit 99. 6 mph on the radar gun and averaged 97 mph with his fastball in a Triple-A appearance on Saturday. The right-hander pitched 5 1/3 innings and threw 86 pitches, 56 for strikes.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament Aaron Boone was asked about the Yankees deciding if Gerrit Cole's next start will be with the Yankees or another rehab start with Scranton "A need doesn't necessarily mean we're bringing him back" Boone also Cole's next start being with the Yankees is "on the table" pic. twitter. com/JZwzFWXtnb — Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) May 18, 2026 “I’d say it’s on the table, yeah,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone acknowledged when asked if Cole could pitch against the Rays.