Gerrit Cole returns to live batting practice facing Aaron Judge; Yankees explore McMahon at shortstop

Gerrit Cole pitched a live batting practice inning today at the Yankees’ spring training complex in Tampa, his first time facing hitters since his TJ surgery last spring.

Cole showcased the new arm motion that might be used in official games, delivering roughly 20 pitches with a fastball velocity of 95 to 96 mph. The batters he faced included Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge, and Jasson Domínguez.

“It sounds very positive,” said manager Aaron Boone before the Yankees’ spring training opener against the Orioles on the road.

The Yankees expect Cole to return to the major leagues by late May or June, though he might pitch a few innings late in spring training to get back into form.

Cole was the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, starting 33 games with a 15-4 record and a 2.63 ERA. In 2024, he made 17 starts, going 8-5 with a 3.41 ERA, helping the Yankees secure their 41st AL championship. Unfortunately, they lost the World Series 1-4 to the Los Angeles Dodgers, missing out on the title.

“I’m a confident person,” Cole recently stated, “I have high expectations for my execution. But overall, I don’t set specific goals or numbers for performance or outcomes. Staying focused on the present and executing the task at hand has always worked well.”

“The challenge is, as things get more exciting and start falling into place, how to keep pushing forward. To keep trusting what got you here without getting ahead of yourself.”

Cole indicated that full recovery will take 14 to 18 months, describing the rehab process as “long and tedious.”

“As I get closer to the finish line, momentum is building,” he said. “Overall, the process has been good in terms of execution and staying focused.”

New Shortstop Option

Ryan McMahon is regarded as one of the league’s top defensive third basemen. Boone commented, “Watching his defense, he’s a natural at fielding ground balls.”

This spring, McMahon might shift a few steps to the left. The Yankees are experimenting with him at shortstop to increase roster flexibility.

“Coach Bud Black has had me try shortstop a few times, though it’s not my usual spot,” McMahon said. “But I’m a player. I feel I can get on the field and catch the ball, so we’ll see how it goes.”

McMahon played two innings at shortstop for the Rockies in 2020, totaling three innings. Oswaldo Cabrera is recovering from a severe ankle injury sustained last May, but Boone noted he is moving well early in spring training.

Paul DeJong, Amed Rosario, and Max Schuemann are other versatile candidates who might play shortstop this spring.

McMahon was traded from the Rockies to New York in July last year. In 54 games, he hit .208 with a .641 OPS, hitting 4 home runs and driving in 18 runs. During the offseason, he adjusted his swing by narrowing his stance to improve hip rotation, aiming to reduce strikeouts (he struck out 62 times in 159 at-bats with the Yankees) and increase power.

“I want to put myself in a better position to have a smoother swing,” McMahon said. “Some adjustments I’ve done before, and some were pointed out by the coaches here. I just want to be more efficient in reaching that form.”

Tomorrow’s Schedule

Judge is expected to appear Saturday in the Yankees’ spring training home opener against the Tigers at Steinbrenner Field.