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Yankees’ Ace Cole Returns, Throws Six Shutout Innings

5/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Aaron Boone announced the Yankees were excited to have their ace back as Gerrit Cole made his first start since October 2024.
Cole, back after missing the 2025 season with Tommy John surgery, threw 72 pitches at 96.1 mph, struck out two batters and delivered six shutout innings with two hits and three walks.
He left after the outing while the Yankees led 1-0 and the bullpen remained closed.

History

Historical Context

Tommy John surgery, pioneered by Dr. Frank Jobe in 1974, turned a once-career-ending injury into a routine rehab; by 2011 MLB cited a 90 % success rate, enabling Stephen Strasburg to return with a 100-mph start. Gerrit Cole’s 2025 comeback echoes that trend, reinforcing teams’ willingness to sign multimillion-dollar contracts to pitchers who undergo the procedure.

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Story summary

Aaron Boone announced the Yankees were excited to have their ace back as Gerrit Cole made his first start since October 2024.
Cole, back after missing the 2025 season with Tommy John surgery, threw 72 pitches at 96.1 mph, struck out two batters and delivered six shutout innings with two hits and three walks.
He left after the outing while the Yankees led 1-0 and the bullpen remained closed.

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