Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole took another live batting practice Saturday and is poised to pitch a rehab game in the near future.
Cole faced hitters at the team’s minor league complex in Tampa. He threw two 15-pitch innings.
“We achieved all of our goals,” Cole told the Associated Press. “We did exactly what we wanted to do today. I threw a lot of shots, very good ones.”
The reigning AL Cy Young winner is expected to play another simulated game next week. Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters, including Newsday’s Gary Phillipsbefore Saturday’s game against the Padres that “there’s a chance” Cole could start a rehab game soon after.
While he won’t commit to it, it appears Cole is progressing quickly enough to join the team sooner rather than later. Of course, it depends on how Cole feels after these simulated matches.
On Tuesday, Cole threw a live BP, faced four batters and threw 22 pitches.
Cole entered spring training without issue, but after his debut on March 1, the 33-year-old right-hander’s elbow was under pressure and he was diagnosed with nerve inflammation. The Yankees placed their ace on the 60-day IL on Opening Day and may not return to the lineup until the end of June.
