Overview
- Cole, who returned from Tommy John surgery and threw six scoreless innings on Friday, is scheduled to start Wednesday in Kansas City with his pitch limit expected to rise from 72 to about 80.
- Manager Aaron Boone praised Cole’s debut and said the club wants him to build on that outing as he settles back into a routine of pitching every fifth day.
- The Yankees hope Cole’s stretched workload will reduce reliance on relievers after a recent 14-game span in which the bullpen went 1-5 with a 4.56 ERA and five blown saves.
- Offense remains a concern for New York, which averaged about two runs per game over its last 10 losses, and the club also awaits updates on Giancarlo Stanton’s right calf imaging while Max Fried remains on the injured list.
- Cole’s comeback — his first big-league appearance in 569 days after missing the 2025 season — could stabilize the rotation if he consistently provides length, which would lower bullpen exposure and help the Yankees manage a long season.