Gerrit Cole is preparing for his first postseason start since undergoing Tommy John surgery, and the New York Yankees ace is not taking the opportunity for granted.
Cole will take the mound against the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Saturday. After missing the entire 2025 season, simply returning to the postseason has given the right-hander a different perspective.
The Yankees selected Cole to open the series after sweeping the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card round. Speaking to reporters Friday, the veteran pitcher shared an emotional message about what the moment means to him.
“It’s incredibly special. And considering coming back from surgery, there’s not much more I could ask for. I feel tremendously blessed.”
Cole’s words reflect the long road he has traveled since undergoing elbow surgery. He spent much of last summer unable to throw a baseball, making his return to the mound and eventual postseason assignment a significant milestone.
His regular-season comeback also gave the Yankees a boost. Cole finished with a 10-9 record, a 3.61 ERA and 131 strikeouts across 22 starts, providing valuable innings as New York worked its way into the playoffs.
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Now, Cole faces a familiar opponent. His final regular-season start came against Tampa Bay on Sept. 23, and he will meet the Rays again with a postseason series at stake.
The Yankees will need their veteran starter to deliver against a team that finished ahead of them in the American League East. For Cole, however, the opportunity itself carries special meaning after a year away from October baseball.
His gratitude is clear. The next step is turning that long-awaited return into a strong start when the Yankees open their series in Tampa.
