Yankees' Cole dazzles in first start back

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May 23, 2026 - 16:20

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Yankees' Cole dazzles in first start back originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Yankees lost to the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night, but there was one overwhelming return that was the highlight of the night for Yankees fans. Ace pitcher Gerrit Cole made his first Major League start in 569 days, and it went almost perfectly.

In six innings, there was no sign of slowing down or hindrance for the mighty right-hander, as Cole struck out two in a scoreless feat. He threw 50 strikes on 72 pitches and surrendered three walks against the American League East-leading Rays.

No. 45's fastball is averaging faster than it did in 2024, though this is only one start so far in 2026. The velocity is there, the command is sharp, and for the Yankees, this is the best-case scenario.

As mentioned above, this team is not leading their division, and the surprising Rays are no joke. Sure, the tandem of Max Fried and Cam Schlittler was fantastic this season, but now Fried is out for an undisclosed amount of time with a left elbow bone bruise.

Cole rejoining the Yankees completes the rotation for now, and once Fried is back in the saddle, the true potential of this pitching staff will be unleashed. This 5.5 game gap between first and second is going to close very fast, and there is no reason why the Bronx Bombers should not be the best team in baseball in the next few weeks.

For now, focusing on Cole reaching his second straight start is the top priority. But then, after that, the sky is the limit for this Yankees team.