The New York Yankees Face Challenges as Gerrit Cole Misses 2025 Playoffs
The New York Yankees are making their postseason return for the eighth time in the last nine seasons, yet their journey to the 2025 World Series will be without a pivotal player. Right-handed ace Gerrit Cole, a former Cy Young winner, will not be on the postseason roster due to a significant injury. Cole’s absence has left a noticeable void, but he remains actively involved in supporting his team as they pursue their 28th World Series title.
Gerrit Cole’s Absence from the Yankees’ Playoff Roster
Gerrit Cole is not included in the Yankees’ 2025 playoff roster following Tommy John surgery that he underwent prior to the season. The surgery, performed in March, led to Cole being placed on the 60-day injured list, which allowed the team to fill his spot with another player. Consequently, Cole did not participate in the entire 2025 MLB season.
Despite being sidelined, Cole has remained an integral part of the Yankees’ preparations. As they geared up for their wild-card series against the Boston Red Sox, Cole contributed by standing in as a baserunner during infield drills, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
Gerrit Cole’s Injury Update and Recovery Timeline
Gerrit Cole’s Tommy John surgery on March 11 marked the beginning of a lengthy recovery process. In May, he indicated that he anticipates a 14-month rehabilitation timeline, positioning him for a possible return to the mound by 2026, provided he experiences no setbacks. In August 2025, Cole began a throwing program, completing 20 flat-ground throws as initial steps toward recovery.
The outlined recovery timeline suggests that Cole’s rehabilitation should conclude by May 2026. However, the path to his return may be intricate, involving potential minor league rehab assignments and a cautious ramp-up process prior to his return to the Yankees.
Yankees’ 2025 Pitching Rotation Without Gerrit Cole
In the absence of Gerrit Cole, the Yankees’ pitching rotation is led by recent free-agent acquisition Max Fried. Here’s a look at the current top starters for the 2025 season:
| Pitcher | 2025 Record | 2025 ERA |
|---|---|---|
| Max Fried | 19-5 | 2.86 |
| Carlos Rodón | 18-9 | 3.09 |
| Cam Schlittler | 4-3 | 2.96 |
| Luis Gil | 4-1 | 3.32 |
As the Yankees navigate the postseason landscape, they will rely on their remaining seasoned pitchers to step up in a critical time, hoping to overcome the challenges posed by Cole’s injury and make a deep playoff run. As the new season approaches, fans eagerly await clearer updates on Cole’s rehabilitation and future with the team.
