What's happened
New York Yankees' prospects Anthony Volpe and Gerrit Cole are returning from injuries. Volpe has been cleared for a rehab assignment after shoulder surgery, while Cole is progressing from elbow surgery. Both players are expected to contribute soon, with Volpe likely to start at shortstop and Cole preparing for minor league outings. The team is managing their workloads carefully.
What's behind the headline?
The Yankees are prioritizing cautious recovery for their key players, which will likely increase their contributions once fully fit. Volpe's return to shortstop will be critical for the team's infield stability, especially given his defensive prowess and recent offensive struggles. Cole's progress indicates he will soon be able to start pitching in minor league games, which will increase his readiness for the majors. This careful management aims to prevent re-injury and optimize performance. The team's strategy reflects a broader trend of balancing recovery with competitive readiness, which will likely influence their season trajectory. The Yankees' success will depend on how quickly these players can regain their form and integrate into the team, impacting their playoff prospects.
What the papers say
AP News reports that Volpe has been cleared to report to Double-A Somerset and is expected to play three to five innings in his first games. Yankees manager Aaron Boone states Volpe is ahead of schedule, having had over 50 live at-bats and extensive work at shortstop. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole has been facing hitters and throwing simulated innings, with Boone indicating he will throw again soon, with his arm feeling significantly better post-surgery. The NY Post highlights Volpe's enthusiasm and readiness, noting his scheduled rehab assignment and the Yankees' plan to build him up gradually. Both sources emphasize the team's careful approach to managing these key players' recoveries, aiming for a strong return to the lineup.
How we got here
Anthony Volpe has been recovering from left shoulder surgery performed in October, which caused him to miss part of the season. Gerrit Cole has been rehabilitating from reconstructive elbow surgery since March 2025. Both players have been working through their recovery processes, with Volpe taking live at-bats and Cole facing hitters in spring training. The Yankees are managing their return to ensure they regain full strength before rejoining the main roster.
Go deeper
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Anthony Michael Volpe is an American professional baseball shortstop for the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball. The Yankees selected Volpe in the first round of the 2019 MLB draft.
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The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of the Bronx. They compete in Major League Baseball as a member club of the American League East division.