NEW YORK – The session didn’t last long, a blink-and-you-missed-it sequence of 20 tosses on flat ground across the Yankee Stadium outfield on Monday afternoon. But for Gerrit Cole , it represented one of the most anticipated events of his summer.

Cole’s recovery from Tommy John surgery entered a new phase ahead of the Bombers’ game against the Twins, with the right-hander officially beginning a throwing program that targets a big league return early in the 2026 season.

“It’s a big one, the first day throwing,” Cole said. “I’ve been building up to it for a few weeks, so it’s nice to get outside and get it accomplished and have it go well.”

Unable to lift his arm after a March 6 exhibition outing, Cole underwent surgery on March 11, performed in Los Angeles by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.

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