Gerrit Cole, the 2023 Cy Young winner, recently shared insights into his life post-Tommy John surgery while appearing in the YES Network booth during a Yankees game. Despite his ongoing rehab, Cole discussed his journey as a Little League father, revealing that he has been coaching his son, Caden, who plays T-ball. Cole humorously detailed his approach to throwing batting practice, ensuring he maximizes contact by having kids practice their swings first. While his return to the mound remains uncertain, he noted he's closer to playing catch than to recovery.

Interestingly, Cole also reflected on fellow pitchers’ preparations, sharing thoughts on Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt, alongside anecdotes about Little League and the challenges of parent-coaching. Notably, Cole’s serious demeanor softened as he navigated the joys and trials of youth sports coaching, blending his analytical nature with the innocent fun of Little League.

The New York Yankees' bullpen is facing another setback as Jake Cousins appears to be on the verge of Tommy John Surgery. After a tumultuous recovery journey from a forearm strain, Cousins, 30, now has a UCL injury that could sideline him until the end of 2026 or early 2027 if surgery is required. This injury reflects a trend in the Yankees' history with injuries, where pitchers like Gerrit Cole have struggled to return effectively without surgery. As the trade market heats up, the Yankees desperately need bullpen help with Cousins unlikely to be part of the solution.

Max Fried's recent performances have significantly bolstered the Yankees' rotation in the absence of injured ace Gerrit Cole. Despite a tough outing against the Dodgers, Fried has showcased his skills with a 7-1 record and a 1.92 ERA this season. Aaron Judge praised Fried's contributions, emphasizing the importance of his presence on the mound as the Yankees strive for a playoff spot. Fried's contract, an eight-year deal worth $218 million, reflects the high expectations placed upon him as Cole recovers from Tommy John surgery, which is expected to keep him out until 2026. With Fried's strong showing, Yankees fans can remain hopeful for a deep postseason run.

Ryan Yarbrough proved to be the savior the New York Yankees desperately needed, delivering an outstanding performance as they faced the Los Angeles Dodgers. In a crucial game, Yarbrough pitched six innings, allowing just one run and striking out five, leading to a 7-3 victory. This marked Yarbrough's continued ascent in the rotation, showcasing a 2.83 ERA and a perfect 3-0 record since transitioning to a starting role.

With injuries severely impacting the Yankees' pitching lineup, particularly with Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, Yarbrough's stability becomes even more vital. His recent success has forced the Yankees to rethink their rotation strategies, especially with Luis Gil, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, nearing a return from injury. While Gil's comeback may prompt a decision on Yarbrough's role, his current form makes it hard to justify sidelining one of their most effective pitchers.

Luis Gil is making significant strides in his recovery from a high-grade lat strain, as he completed a successful 15-pitch bullpen session at Dodger Stadium. This marks his first time on the mound since February, and Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Gil’s progress. Originally placed on the 60-day injured list, Gil's return is critical for the Yankees, especially with Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season due to elbow surgery. In 2024, Gil had a breakout season, finishing with a 15-7 record and a 3.50 ERA, earning the American League Rookie of the Year award. The Yankees anticipate he can rejoin the rotation by the All-Star break, providing valuable innings as they compete in the AL East.