The New York Yankees are closing in on key pitching reinforcements as both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón prepare for rehab assignments. Manager Aaron Boone announced Monday that the two starters could begin their recovery outings within the next week after successful live batting practice sessions. Cole, recovering from Tommy John surgery, threw 42 pitches Sunday, while Rodón tossed 50 pitches Monday following October elbow surgery.

Cole, 35, missed the entire 2025 season after his elbow reconstruction in March but showed encouraging signs in spring training, logging 2⅔ innings across two appearances. The six-time All-Star and 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner hasn't pitched competitively since Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. Rodón, 33, enjoyed his best season as a Yankee in 2025 with a 3.09 ERA over 195⅓ innings and an All-Star selection, though he pitched through elbow pain most of the year before undergoing surgery in October.

The Yankees have targeted late April for Rodón's return and early May for Cole, who acknowledged the importance of making the right decision: "I just want to make sure we do what's right." With the Yankees' pitching staff leading the majors early this season, these potential returns could solidify their rotation as the team pushes for postseason positioning.