Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Gerrit Cole Makes Spring Training Return After Surgery

3/17/2026

50 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees will make his spring training debut on March 18, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox.
It will be his first game since Tommy John surgery in March 2025.
He is expected to pitch one inning as part of his rehabilitation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone says the return is not being rushed.

History

Historical Context

In 1974, Dr. Frank Jobe performed the first successful Tommy John surgery on pitcher Tommy John, transforming sports medicine and enabling over 600 athletes to return to play by 2020. This procedure's impact is evident in Gerrit Cole's upcoming 2026 spring training debut, following his surgery in March 2025, underscoring the growing emphasis on player health in professional sports.

1 of 2

Story summary

Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees will make his spring training debut on March 18, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox.
It will be his first game since Tommy John surgery in March 2025.
He is expected to pitch one inning as part of his rehabilitation.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone says the return is not being rushed.

1 / 2