Yankees' Ace Returns: A Throwing Session and a Potential Early Return
The New York Yankees' star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, is making strides in his recovery from Tommy John surgery. Cole, a 35-year-old right-hander, underwent the procedure on March 11 with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a renowned team physician. Cole's progress is promising, with a focus on a 14-18 month recovery period, aligning with medical research.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing Cole's strength and readiness for late-season and October performances. Cole's first bullpen session in October demonstrated his dedication to the recovery process, and he's following the prescribed plan, pushing when instructed and avoiding unnecessary risks.
His elbow feels significantly better than it did two years ago, indicating positive progress.
In other baseball news, the Baltimore Orioles have signed right-hander Chris Bassitt to a $18.5 million contract, adding depth to their pitching staff. Bassitt, a 11-year veteran, has a history of making at least 27 starts in each of the past five seasons.
Additionally, Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican music superstar, offered to cover Carlos Correa's insurance coverage for the World Baseball Classic. However, the proposed plan was not approved by Major League Baseball, the Astros, or Correa's agent, Scott Boras.
The Philadelphia Phillies, on the other hand, are moving on from a challenging season. Nick Castellanos, released due to a team rule violation, admitted to bringing a beer into the dugout after a game. Manager Rob Thomson praised Castellanos for his honesty and contributions to the team's success.
Lastly, Houston Astros closer Josh Hader is making a recovery from biceps tendinitis, a setback after a shoulder capsule strain. Manager Joe Espada is optimistic about Hader's progress, but the team is taking a cautious approach to ensure a successful season.
