Yankees announce Gerrit Cole to make season debut Friday night
The long wait is over. Gerrit Cole is back.
Aug 19, 2020; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) warms up in the bullpen before his start against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Once Max Fried hit the IL with an elbow issue last week, the Yankees were in a bit of an awkward spot. They had a former Cy Young award winner nearing the very end of a lengthy rehab process, yet it seemed like he might not be quite ready to fill in now that his co-ace was injured.
But after seeing their erstwhile ace brush 100 mph in his most recent start for Scranton, the Yankees decided they’d seen enough. Gerrit Cole is back. Gerrit Cole will make his season debut on Friday, per Boone.
— Greg Joyce (@GJoyce9) May 19, 2026 Aaron Boone announced today that Cole will make his first start at the major-league level this year on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Rays. The right-hander is set to throw his first meaningful pitch for the Yankees in over a year and a half. He looks ready.
Cole topped out at 99. 6 mph over the weekend and sat 97 mph on his four-seam fastball, higher than his average fastball velocity in both 2023 and 2024. After a gradual ramp-up over the course of his minor-league rehab assignment, Cole ran his pitch count up to 86 in his last start, suggesting he’s close to fully built-up.