Gerrit Cole's long-awaited return fell short of spectacular, but was the solid shot in the arm theNew York Yankeesbadly needed.
Pitching for the first time since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, Cole pitched six shutout innings against the first placeTampa Bay RaysFriday, May 22 at Yankee Stadium.
Cole missed the entire 2025 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, his right elbow finally giving way during spring training. He underwent a steady and successful rehab since, and rejoined the Yankees after they jumped out to a 30-21 start − but still 4½ games behind the Rays.
Amid that backdrop, he took the Yankee Stadium mound and delivered efficiency, giving up just two hits in six innings, but walking three and striking out just two. Yet he finished striking, fanning Jonathan Aranda looking on a full-count 96-mph fastball.
Thanks to an Austin Wells home run, Cole left with a 1-0 lead.
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Cole, who won the 2023 AL Cy Young Award, is in the seventh year of a nine-year, $324 million contract.
Yankees bullpen blows lead
Alas, the Yankees bullpen could only preserve the advantage provided by Wells and Cole for one inning. Shortstop José Caballero committed an error on a grounder by leadoff batter Chandler Simpson, and after a Junior Caminero single, Jonathan Aranda followed with a game-tying double off lefty Tim Hill.
Richie Palacios then followed an intentional walk with a go-ahead two-run single, producing a 3-1 lead and chasing Hill.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:How did Gerrit Cole do in 2026 Yankees debut?