Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Cole Returns, Yankees Pitch Friday vs Rays

5/20/2026

39 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Gerrit Cole will debut for the Yankees on Friday, May 22, 2026, versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
After Tommy John surgery on March 11, 2025, Cole completed six rehab starts, the final a 5 1/3 -inning outing with one run and a 99.6 mph fastball.
The Yankees optioned Elmer Rodríguez, promoted Yovanny Cruz, and placed Max Fried on the 15-day injured list.
Manager Aaron Boone said Cole “checked all the boxes.”

History

Historical Context

Dr. Frank Jobe’s 1974 ulnar-collateral-ligament reconstruction on Dodgers pitcher Tommy John proved a career-saving breakthrough; John missed 1975, returned in 1976 and pitched 14 more seasons. The procedure spread, with roughly one-third of MLB pitchers having undergone it by 2014, shaping roster strategies. In 2026 the Yankees debuted Gerrit Cole, fresh from a March 2025 Tommy John surgery, echoing that legacy.

1 of 2

Story summary

Gerrit Cole will debut for the Yankees on Friday, May 22, 2026, versus the Tampa Bay Rays.
After Tommy John surgery on March 11, 2025, Cole completed six rehab starts, the final a 5 1/3 -inning outing with one run and a 99.6 mph fastball.
The Yankees optioned Elmer Rodríguez, promoted Yovanny Cruz, and placed Max Fried on the 15-day injured list.
Manager Aaron Boone said Cole “checked all the boxes.”

1 / 2