‘Like I Never Left’: Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole Delivers 6 Shutout Innings In Return From Tommy John

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole made his season debut on Friday, May 23, 2026, returning from Tommy John surgery against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium. The 2023 unanimous Cy Young Award winner delivered six shutout innings, allowing only two hits, three walks, and recording two strikeouts. Cole's dominant performance marked a successful comeback for the Yankees ace, who held the division rivals scoreless throughout his outing.