Two prominent New York Yankees players, Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole, began their throwing programs on Monday, marking important milestones in their recoveries from injuries. These developments are significant for the team as both athletes work to regain their full strength and return to active play.
Cole’s Progress Following Tommy John Surgery
Gerrit Cole, New York’s leading pitcher who underwent Tommy John surgery in March, made 20 throws off flat ground to begin his throwing regimen. Cole, who had to end his 2024 season early due to the surgery, indicated a recovery timeline of about 14 months during a May update. This schedule aims for him to be back on the mound by mid-May 2025, although he remains pragmatic about the timing.
The only thought I’ve given to 2026 is just to try to execute the first eight weeks so far of this rehab,
Cole told reporters.
Like you’re growing bone and stuff so it’s been important to get good sleep and eat well and progress through the rehab.
He also shared,
I hope it comes back maybe like a fresh new set of tires. That’s best hope. Just a pit stop that took a little longer than we had hoped for. But I really don’t know. Who’s to say? People are fairly confident. I’m a bit pragmatic, though.
Last season, Cole was a dominant force, finishing with an 8-5 record, a 3.41 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP, earning the AL Cy Young Award for his performance.
Judge’s Gradual Return After Elbow Injury
Aaron Judge began his throwing program after being sidelined with a flexor strain in his elbow since late July. Fortunately, his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) remained intact, avoiding more serious surgery. Judge rejoined the Yankees on August 5 as a designated hitter instead of playing his usual right field position, reflecting a cautious approach to his recovery.
Last week, Judge expressed confidence about his progress, sharing that he felt good while throwing again. He explained the soreness was expected due to the nature of his injury:
It’s obviously sore. You got a flexor strain, it’s like [hamstring]—you run for the first time on a hammy, it’s going to be sore. But it didn’t feel like what it did when I hurt it.
Despite his limitations on defense, Judge’s offensive contributions remain outstanding this season, boasting an <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/baseball/mlb/”>MLB-best .337 batting average, ranking fourth in home runs with 37, and seventh in runs batted in with 86.
Team Challenges Despite Individual Success
While both Cole and Judge focus on returning to full health, the Yankees have experienced difficulties in recent games, suffering seven losses out of their past nine contests. The team currently clings to the final wild card spot in the playoff race, highlighting the importance of their top players’ return to maximize postseason potential.