While the injury pandemic has gripped the league’s pitchers, the New York Yankees have received encouraging news about their ace. Even though the Bronx Bombers have been coping well without Gerrit Cole, they know they’d be far better with him. As a result, the team has been holding its breath regarding the Cy Young winner’s return to the mound. So is it a surprise that the entire Bronx area has heaped a sigh of relief after hearing Cole is one step closer to a comeback?

At a time when multiple pitchers have gone down with Tommy John surgery,  Cole avoiding it is positive news by itself. However, now that his rehab is going almost according to the schedule, there’s a chance we might see Cole back on the field relatively quickly. Could this be the push that the Yankees’ pitching staff needs?

Gerrit Cole takes a big step forward as The Bronx gets ready for celebrations

Yankees Beat writer Bryan Hoch has reported that Gerrit Cole will resume playing catch tomorrow or by Tuesday per Aaron Boone. That comes in as a good relief for the team as the 33-year-old’s rehab is going well. While the Cy Young winner is still a long way from complete recovery, this could be the start of something good for him and the team.

Cole made just one start in the Spring Training before the Yankees shut him down to figure out the issue in his elbow. Though the reports revealed some stress in his UCL, Doctors informed him that surgery wasn’t needed at this hour. While it did raise some doubts as multiple experts wondered whether this stress hinted at an upcoming tear, the Yankees have chosen to be optimistic. 

However, Cole starting to play catch doesn’t mean he’d be back soon. The ace is still expected to be out till Late May or early June. Until then the Bronx Bombers will have to depend on their current pitching staff which hasn’t been without flaws.

New York Yankees’ pitching staff continues to be under pressure 

Even though the Bronx Bombers’ pitching staff has done a commendable job, their struggles have been visible. But apart from Marcus Stroman and Luis Gil, the performances of other starters have been a hit or a miss. While Carlos Rodon has successfully stopped the downward spiral of 2023, he is still slowly building up to this best. On the other hand, Nestor Cortes Jr’s performances have left a lot to be desired.

The biggest issue, however, is the thin bullpen. The injury and subsequent surgery of Jonathan Loaisiga has increased the pressure on other pitchers. As a result, the Pinstripes are enthusiastically waiting for Cole’s return. Perhaps a Harry Styles playlist can make that wait a little more exciting.

Read more: Marcus Stroman Continues to Impress in Pinstripes, Yankees’ Pitching Concerns Deepen Due to Latest Injuries