Gerrit Cole News Surfaces After Yankees' Loss to Astros

Gerrit Cole News Surfaces After Yankees' Loss to Astros originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The New York Yankees’ season has been derailed in the second half, as the team finds itself on the brink of falling out of a playoff spot after holding a commanding AL East division lead in May.

The team has dealt with numerous injuries to the pitching rotation, including season-ending injuries to Clark Schmidt and, most notably, former Cy Young Award winner, six-time All-Star, and team ace Gerrit Cole.

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on his right elbow after inflammation became unmanageable in March 2025—the first such procedure of his career—effectively ending his season.

With Cole sidelined, the Yankees’ pitching staff has struggled, posting a 4.06 ERA that ranks in the bottom half of MLB.

Gerrit Cole Takes Key Step After Tommy John Surgery

The Yankees suffered a tough series loss to the Houston Astros over the weekend. Carlos Correa and Jose Altuve led the charge, roughing up the pitching staff at Yankee Stadium in a way that brought back memories of past playoff heartbreak.

An update surfaced that Cole had started his throwing program on Monday, tossing about 20 pitches on flat ground.

“Gerrit Cole started his throwing program today… about 20 pitches on flat ground,” wrote Meredith Marakovits of YES Network.

Gerrit Cole started his throwing program today… about 20 pitches on flat ground #yankees

— Meredith Marakovits (@M_Marakovits) August 11, 2025

Cole’s Absence Felt as Yankees Slide in AL Standings

While Cole’s return to throwing is encouraging, the right-hander still faces a lengthy rehab process and is not expected to pitch again this season. His long-term health remains the Yankees’ top priority.

Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract with the Yankees in December 2019 and has lived up to expectations over his first five seasons in the Bronx.

In 125 regular-season starts, the 34-year-old has posted a 59–28 record with 915 strikeouts and a 3.12 ERA, highlighted by his 2023 campaign in which he earned his first career Cy Young Award.

He’s also elevated his game in the postseason, going 5–2 with a 2.93 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 12 appearances—making his absence this year a major blow to the franchise's playoff hopes.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.