Yankees manager Aaron Boone announces that pitcher Gerrit Cole will rejoin the team and make his first MLB start since undergoing Tommy John surgery. According to the reports, Cole’s return comes after he had surgery on his right UCL (ulnar collateral ligament), with his previous pitching action ending following the 2024 World Series. The New York Post and Fox News both state that Cole is scheduled to take the mound for his first start back with the Yankees. Fox News specifies that the return start is set for Friday, framing it as Cole’s first Yankees start since the 2024 World Series. The overall coverage focuses on the fact that Cole is returning to active MLB pitching after the ligament injury and surgical procedure, and that his comeback appearance is planned as part of the Yankees’ upcoming rotation. Both sources present the news as an official step in Cole’s recovery and return to the major leagues.