The New York Yankees are back in the postseason for the eighth time in nine seasons. And as the franchise eyes a second consecutive run to the World Series, it will be without a key contributor from 2024.
Right-handed ace Gerrit Cole will be noticeably absent from the Yankees' playoff roster in 2024, though his presence will be felt in the dugout. The 35-year-old's last appearance on the mound came in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, and his next won't come until 2026 at the earliest.
Where is Cole? Here is what to know about New York's former Cy Young winner and why he won't be able to help his team in its pursuit of a record 28th World Series title.
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Where is Gerrit Cole?
Cole is not on the Yankees' 2025 playoff roster, as he underwent Tommy John surgery before the season.
After undergoing surgery in March, Cole was placed on the 60-day injured list, freeing up a roster spot. He did not play at all during the 2025 MLB season.
While Cole is not on the playoff roster, he has actively been around the team. As New York prepared for its wild-card series with the Boston Red Sox, Cole stood in as a baserunner.
Gerrit Cole is serving as a baserunner for the Yankees while they run infield drills pic.twitter.com/paxHY4E9Uh
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 29, 2025
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Gerrit Cole injury update
Cole underwent season-ending Tommy John surgery on March 11.
In May, Cole said he is planning on a 14-month recovery period, which would pave the way for him to get back to pitching in 2026, barring any setbacks. Cole began a throwing program in August 2025, making 20 flat-ground throws.
When will Gerrit Cole return?
The 14-month timeline would mean Cole's rehabilitation process is complete in May 2026.
With that in mind, Cole's journey to return to the Yankees is more complex than outlining a timeline. While impossible to forecast completely, Cole's return to pitch for New York could include rehab assignments in the minors and a measured ramp-up process.
The Yankees will likely provide a clearer timeline for Cole's return in the lead-up to the 2026 season.
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Yankees 2025 pitching rotation
In Cole's absence, the Yankees' rotation of starters is headlined by another recent free-agent acquisition in Max Fried.
Here is an outlook at their rotation:
| Pitcher | 2025 record | 2025 ERA | |
| 1 | Max Fried | 19-5 | 2.86 |
| 2 | Carlos Rodón | 18-9 | 3.09 |
| 3 | Cam Schlittler | 4-3 | 2.96 |
| 4 | Luis Gil | 4-1 | 3.32 |