For five seasons, Gerrit Cole set the Bronx on fire by throwing fastballs and strikeouts with terrifying regularity. But the problems started in his Grapefruit League start on March 6. Giving up six runs in 2 2/3 innings against the Twins, he felt a pain in his throwing elbow that sent shockwaves through the Yankees’ pitching depth chart. Later, an update came that his right elbow had nerve inflammation and swelling. Finally, on March 12, it was declared that Cole would need Tommy John surgery, marking the end of his 2025 season.

Then, June 17 marked the first time the righty ace returned to Yankee Stadium since his surgery to offer his two cents during the broadcast vs the Los Angeles Angels. Along with sharing the difficulty of the game being “taken away” for the first summer since he started playing, Cole also talked about his rehab. “Rehab is going well. It’s slow and steady. But…it’s starting to pick up pace a little bit in terms of being able to do more things… We are closer to playing catch than we are to surgery.” Till then, he was unable to play catch with his right hand, though.

And now, fortunately, we have received some more updates from the YES Network regarding his injury report. “Garrett Cole is itching to get back on the mound, and earlier today, you could see him going through the motions in the bullpen. In our injury report brought to you by Montefiore-Einstein, the official hospital of the Yankees, Cole said he hopes to start throwing for real very soon.” 

In fact, there was a highlight in the clip that reportedly said, “I’m going to throw in hopefully 3 to 4 weeks.”

Prior to that injury, Gerrit Cole was on a roll. In 2024, he pitched 95 innings in 17 starts, going 8–5 with a 3.41 ERA, a 1.13 WHIP, and 99 strikeouts. Plus, in the World Series, he posted an astonishing 0.71 ERA in 12.2 innings. In 2023, Cole won the AL Cy Young, with a record of 15 wins and 4 losses, an ERA of 2.63, a WHIP of 0.98, and 222 strikeouts against 48 walks in 209 innings.

Now, while usually it takes around 1-1.5 years to recover from TJ, it would surely be a miracle if the Yankee ace returns before the expected timeline. And who else can that happen to, if not Cole, given his determination and commitment! Back in March, after the announcement of the surgery, he had posted on Instagram, “I have a lot left to give, and I’m fully committed to the work ahead. I’ll attack my rehab every day and support the 2025 Yankees each step of the way. I love this game, I love competing, and I can’t wait to be back on the mound – stronger than ever. See you soon.”

Now, even though we don’t have any exact comeback headlines, his numbers show why the Yankee lineup might be missing him. And with a structured treatment and throwing schedule, we surely hope to see him throw soon.

With Gerrit Cole sidelined, the Yankees relied on Max Fried. As of now, he has pitched 127 innings with an ERA of 2.62. But the Bronx needed a right-handed pitcher who could strengthen the bullpen with playoffs in mind. Now, speculation is growing as the trade deadline approaches. And it looks like they have set their eyes on one Baltimore Orioles pitcher.

Yankees target division rival starter Zach Eflin

The Yankees are looking for a veteran who can reliably eat innings and help steady the staff. Right now, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón are throwing most of the innings, and Luis Gil is still getting used to it.

Meanwhile, FanSided’s Joseph Kallan stated, “One of the more intriguing buy‑low candidates on the market, Zach Eflin hasn’t replicated the success he saw in 2024 — but that’s exactly what makes him attractive for a team like New York.”

So, Eflin might still be valuable even though he’s been having trouble lately. “Despite posting a 5.78 ERA in 2025, Eflin’s underlying metrics suggest there’s room for optimism.”

Kallan also explained, “He ranks in the 81st percentile for chase rate and is in the top 3% of the league in walk rate. He won’t overpower hitters, but he can eat innings and limit self‑inflicted damage — two traits the Yankees badly need right now .” That focus on control fits with what the NYY coaching staff has been aiming at this season.

If the Yankees can make a deal that fits their budget, they may receive a controlled, mid-rotation pitcher with potential. And if Gerrit Cole makes a comeback, then it will be a bonus for the Yanks.