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Gerrit Cole Rules Out Opening Day as Rehab Progress Points to First‑Half Return

Team officials now target a first‑half 2026 debut that will shape their winter pitching plans.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 08: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees warms up before the Game 4 of the Division Series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on October 8, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by New York Yankees/Getty Images)
Feb 13, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) participates in spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Cole said team doctors told him Opening Day is probably out, and he hopes to return as soon as he is cleared afterward.
  • He has advanced to bullpen work with his initial ramp‑up phase nearing completion, and agent Scott Boras shared recent video while saying Cole feels great and has all his pitches.
  • Medical timelines for Tommy John recovery place a typical return around 14 months, framing a May–June window if there are no setbacks.
  • General manager Brian Cashman expects Cole to open 2026 on the injured list, with the club exploring rotation help to cover early-season innings.
  • Newsday reports Carlos Rodon and Clarke Schmidt are also slated to start the year on the IL, increasing the urgency for depth until a staff headed by Max Fried and a returning Cole and Rodon can take shape.