On Monday, Gerrit Cole, the star pitcher for the New York Yankees, shared an encouraging update with the media following his season-ending Tommy John surgery in March. According to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, Cole addressed reporters in the Yankees’ clubhouse, expressing ongoing progress in his recovery.

He aims to start throwing again in August and mentioned that he visualizes pitching each night before bed, humorously noting, “I haven’t given up any hits.” Though Cole will be sidelined for the remainder of this season, he is expected to be a key component of the Yankees’ pitching staff in 2026.

At 34, Cole is regarded as one of the premier pitchers of his time, boasting a 153-80 record over 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Houston Astros, and Yankees. A six-time All-Star, he clinched the American League Cy Young Award in 2023 and has twice led the league in ERA.

Last year, despite elbow troubles, he managed an 8-5 record across 17 starts, contributing to the Yankees’ American League pennant victory. He logged 95 innings, recording 99 strikeouts. In two spring training outings for New York this year, Cole pitched six innings, allowing seven earned runs.

As of Monday, the Yankees stand at 19-15, leading the American League East. They are set to begin a new series against the San Diego Padres on Monday, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. New York’s left-hander Carlos Rodon will take the mound, opposing San Diego’s right-hander Nick Pivetta.