Yankees' Gerrit Cole could pitch in spring games, but return timeline unchanged - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole on Friday confirmed he may pitch in Grapefruit League games before the end of spring training, which would represent a significant milestone in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but he remains on his expected timetable for return of 14 to 18 months after undergoing the procedure last March.

That timeline puts Cole's return anywhere between June and October. Yankees officials have reiterated they believe Cole will return in June.

«The target has always been between 14 to 18 months,» Cole said Friday after throwing his first bullpen since pitchers and catchers reported for spring training this week. «That's what the research says. That's what the comps that we've looked at says and that's what it's always been.»

Cole took a step forward with his bullpen Friday. He unveiled a slightly modified windup in his delivery — bringing his hands over his head rather than keeping them down by his chest — that he said he incorporated last summer. He assessed the session as «well executed and, overall, pretty good.»

«I think I generally just like the rhythm of it,» said Cole, who noted he's tinkered with the delivery in the past.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone on Wednesday first broached the possibility of Cole and Carlos Rodon, who is recovering from offseason elbow surgery, pitching in exhibition games this spring. But he noted the Yankees will remain careful with their ace.

«The last thing we want to do is push him early in the season just because looks like he does now,» Boone said. «The reality is he didn't pitch last year on top of having that surgery, and we want to make sure we give him the proper time to make sure he is good and ready to come back, built up in a smart