Gerrit Cole could be ready to join New York's rotation, although Yankees not ready to commit

BOSTON — Gerrit Cole could be ready to rejoin the New York Yankees rotation after three minor league rehab starts, although the team isn’t yet ready to commit to his return.

“I obviously feel good today,” the AL Cy Young Award winner said Saturday at Fenway Park, a day after throwing 70 pitches for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in Rochester. “Last night was a good night.”

The 33-year-old right-hander struck out 10 in 4 1/3 innings, allowing two hits and allowing one unearned run.

FILE - New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole throws a bullpen session before the team's baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, May 11, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Cole struck out 10 in 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday night, June 14, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner's third rehab start and final step toward returning to the Yankees' rotation . (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File) — FILE – New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole throws a bullpen session before the team’s baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays, May 11, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Florida. Cole struck out 10 in 4 1/3 innings for Triple-A Scranton-Wilkes Barre on Friday night, June 14, the reigning AL Cy Young Award winner’s third rehab start and final step toward returning to the Yankees’ rotation . (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara, File)

“We’re just going to look at these next few days and decide whether it’s another start of rehab or just bringing him (here),” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “Obviously he’ll have some say in that, especially if it’s a new start of rehab.”

Cole struck out 19 and walked none in 12 1/3 innings in three minor league rehab outings. He threw 45 pitches in his first start and 57 in his second, both at Double-A Somerset.

“I feel like everything is coming together,” Cole said. “Anyway, I don’t plan on coming back with 100 pitches, so there’s a ways to go.” The closer you get, the more excited you get.