Gerrit Cole returns to the mound
The veteran ace checked off the first box on his lengthy spring training to-do list, completing a long-awaited bullpen session on Friday with a new over-the-head windup that produced mid-90s fastballs.
Nearly a year removed from Tommy John surgery that forced him to miss the 2025 season, Cole called his workout "pretty good," insisting that a return to pinstripes in May or June remains the target date after conversations with the club and doctors.
No surprise, Boone echoed Cole's optimism. After all, he recently hinted at the possibility of the 35-year-old pitching in Grapefruit League games before camp wraps up in late March, and right now the plan is for Cole to face hitters in the coming weeks.
But they won't put him at risk of a setback -- they're prioritizing long-term goals.
"The last thing we want to do is push him early in the season, just because he looks like he does now," Boone said. "We want to make sure we give him the proper time to make sure he's good and ready to come back. Built-up in a smart way. We won't rush that with him, even if continues to go incredibly well."
The Yankees can't afford to put Cole in harm's way. In spite of his diligent routine and body awareness, questions and concerns about his health are now warranted.
After earning AL Cy Young honors in 2023, Cole missed the first half of 2024 with elbow inflammation, finishing the year with a 3.41 ERA and 99 strikeouts in 17 starts (95.0 innings).
To his credit, he also produced a laudable 0.71 ERA across two World Series games against the Dodgers. Boone doesn't see why Cole can't resemble a frontline starter once again.
"I'm not going to put anything past Gerrit," Boone said. "He's so good at his craft. Again, the success rate on these surgeries is usually pretty good. And the way his rehab process has gone, would lend itself to him returning to form... I'm not going to put any ceiling on what Gerrit can do once he's back in the rotation."
An opportunity for Jose Caballero
While the Yankees anticipate Anthony Volpe to miss at least April following offseason shoulder surgery, there's a window for utilityman Jose Caballero to grab hold of the starting shortstop role and eventually create some competition.
Caballero, acquired from the Rays before the trade deadline last season, slashed .266/.372/.456 with 15 stolen bases across 95 regular-season plate appearances for the Yankees. His career offensive metrics suggest a dip in production is coming, but his athleticism and attitude excite Boone.
"He's just a real gritty, gamer, tough, competitive, scrappy out at the plate," Boone said. "We like that about him. We like what he brings to the table. Does the short game well, can hit behind a runner, can bunt and bunt for a hit. Obviously the basestealing part of things, the defensive versatility...
"He's definitely good enough to play [shortstop]. He has that utility label, and rightfully so, because he really can go play a lot of positions well. But that doesn't mean he can't legit play shortstop too, because he can. Looking forward to seeing him out there regularly to start the year, we'll see where it takes us."
Cam Schlittler throws on flat ground
The second-year starter didn't express any concern with minor mid-back inflammation he revealed on Thursday, and considering that he did some light tossing on the back fields on Friday, his throwing program shouldn't be altered for long.
"He kind of brushes it off, like, no biggie," Boone said of Schlittler. "Hopefully this is something that, slowing him down, serves him well in the total build-up. I think it will. We'll see how the next day or two unfolds, just when he gets back on the mound. Hopefully pretty quick."
A bullpen spot for Rafael Montero?
The Yankees recently agreed to a minor-league deal with the veteran right-hander that includes an invite to big league camp. He spent the 2025 season with the Astros, Braves, and Tigers, logging a 4.48 ERA across 59 appearances. He also struck out 58, but walked 37.
At the moment, the Yankees' high-leverage bullpen spots belong to closer David Bednar and set-up man Camilo Doval, with Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill ranking behind.
Boone likes the pitching competition entering camp, and believes Montero has the tools and experience to earn an Opening Day roster spot.
"I've talked about our pitching depth, all the way to the starters to non-roster invites," Boone said. "Bringing a guy like Montero in, with obviously a ton of experience. Had a lot of success, had some success last year. There's some things we really liked he was doing last year. Maybe some small adjustments we can make to help him."
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