Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole Nearing Return from Tommy John Surgery

The comeback trail for Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon is looking promising, according to recent injury updates.

2025 was a rough season for us, but there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon with our aces, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon, pushing through their rehab. Brian Cashman, in an optimistic tone, shared how both pitchers are progressing as planned post-surgery. Cole’s Tommy John surgery last March had us worried, but the man is fighting like the gladiator he is, aiming for a return in June. As for Rodon, the talk is he’ll be back by May after his elbow surgery. Now, wouldn’t it be nice if we could just skip to those months already?

Cashman might be reigning in the enthusiasm a bit, but it’s hard not to get excited about the prospect of seeing Cole and Rodon back on the mound. He mentioned the challenge of keeping “alpha dogs” like these in check, ensuring they don’t push too hard too soon. Both pitchers are chomping at the bit, and as fans, we want them back, but not at the risk of future setbacks.

Brian Cashman says “so far, so good” for Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole’s rehab

He says Rodón is in Tampa right now and Cole will join him “sooner than later” pic.twitter.com/yptKPxwPsP

— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) January 28, 2026

Cole and Rodon: The Light at the End of the Tunnel?

The Yankees’ starting rotation has felt like a patchwork quilt this year, with injury after injury pulling threads loose. Cole’s absence was glaring, with his elite presence missed on the mound. Same story with Rodon. We’ve seen what they can do when healthy, and the thought of having them both back is salivating. A healthy Cole and Rodon can change our fortunes—period.

Of course, it all hinges on avoiding further setbacks. And Cashman, for all the heat he takes, is playing it right by prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains. We need them strong, especially come the second half of the season. After last year’s chaos, let’s get our house in order.

Volpe’s Road to Redemption

Anthony Volpe’s shoulder surgery is another concern. His torn labrum put a damper on an already challenging year at shortstop. Cashman’s update from Tampa was a mixed bag of positivity and caution. Volpe’s aiming to be back by mid-season, and until then, Jose Caballero will take the helm.

Let’s be real—Volpe had his struggles last year. But blaming the shoulder makes sense. Anyone who’s swung a bat knows how critical upper body strength is. So, here’s hoping his rehab goes smoothly. A fully fit Volpe can deliver the spark we desperately need in our infield.

Judge’s Offseason Grind

But let’s not forget our captain, Aaron Judge, who’s hitting the offseason grind like a true MVP. Boone’s updates on Judge’s winter workouts are music to our ears. The right flexor strain that plagued him is behind us, and Judge is ramping up for the World Baseball Classic. It’s all coming together.

Judge’s injury woes last August weren’t what anyone wanted, but seeing him in top form, especially in international play, can boost morale for the whole team. The man is leading by example, and it sets the tone for what we expect heading into the new season.

Rehab Roulette with Our Aces

Oh, Yankees fans, how much more can we take? Last season didn’t just skip the World Series; it barreled straight into the dumpster of disappointment. The shining glimmer of hope? Our pitchers, Cole and Rodon, marching back from injury. Apparently, the only consistent thing this season was the injury bug. We sucked, for lack of a better term. But hope springs eternal for Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon. Just imagine them back on the mound. Feels like a dream, doesn’t it?

Gerrit Cole is eyeing a return in June. Sounds familiar, right? Same old promises. But let’s face it, seeing him in action post-Tommy John could be the only redemption we get. Rodon, the other half of our savior duo, aims for a May comeback. It’s like waiting for Christmas, except Santa might not show up. Brian Cashman can preach patience all he wants, but by now, we need results, not empty rhetoric. If keeping these “alpha dogs” in check means we see them at their best, so be it.

Volpe’s Road Back: A Glimmer of Comeback

And let’s talk about Anthony Volpe’s saga. Oh, the promise, the potential… and then the shoulder injury. Tragic. He’s reportedly “in good spirits” working out in Tampa. Great, but that doesn’t help us now, does it? Jose Caballero has been holding the fort at shortstop. For how long? Who knows. Wishing and hoping for Volpe’s May return is our new pastime. He could be the spark we need, assuming he’s truly back at “110 percent” as they claim.

Here’s the kicker: our stars have been benched by injuries more than anything else. Volpe’s shoulder, Cole’s and Rodon’s elbows – it’s like a bingo card of baseball injuries. As if the universe conspired against us. We were counting on them, and they slipped through like sand through clenched fists.