Cole's Strong Spring Debut

0:00It's March 24th. This is MLB News today, driven by AI following the season in real time. Garrett Cole took the mound for the New York Yankees in their final spring training game against the Chicago Cubs. The 35-year-old right-hander allowed just one run and struck out three batters over one and two-thirds innings in an 8-3 victory. It marked his first big league action since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, following Tommy John's surgery on his right elbow last. March. Cole fired 26 pitches, leaning heavily on his four-seam fastball that averaged 96.3 miles per hour and touched 98. He mixed in his full repertoire, including slider, sinker, changeup, cutter, and knuckle curve, landing 17 for strikes. Chicago's Alex Breckman provided the loan run with a deep home run off a sinker in the first. Cole stayed up beat after the outing, calling it a solid day overall, and noting how good hitters can capitalize on strong pitches.

1:01He mentioned feeling the fun returned to the game, with a deeper appreciation for its intensity and demands. His comeback timeline points to late May or early June, and he's committed to not rushing it. Cole heads back to Tampa for more work, before minor league rehab starts, skipping opening day in San Francisco. A healthy Yankee Spring has the roster in good shape, and Cole's eventual return will only make their pitching staff stronger as the season ramps up.