New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole won’t be making his Opening Day start against the Milwaukee Brewers.

In fact, he won’t be making any starts for the Yankees this season, as he recently had Tommy John surgery.

His absence represents a crushing blow for the Yankees’ 2025 aspirations.

Tommy John surgery patients typically stay on the shelf for 14-16 months, depending on many factors.

However, Yankees insider Bryan Hoch offered some details about Cole’s procedure that might help him return a bit sooner than the best-case scenario.

“Gerrit Cole’s UCL surgery included internal bracing, according to the Yankees, which can reduce inflammation and speed recovery time. Generally speaking, this could mean he is closer to a 12-month recovery than if he had the procedure with the traditional method,” Hoch reported, via Matthew Nethercott.

Some Cole News:

Gerrit Cole’s UCL surgery included internal bracing, according to the Yankees, which can reduce inflammation and speed recovery time. Generally speaking, this could mean he is closer to a 12-month recovery than if he had the procedure with the traditional… pic.twitter.com/5YxTMGMCzx

— Matthew Nethercott (@mnethercott_) March 13, 2025

It’s not common to see a pitcher return from Tommy John in a year.

However, when it’s not a complete UCL tear, the internal brace is becoming an effective way to reduce inflammation.

It’s a modern technique that is gaining steam in the sports world.

No one knows what Cole’s recovery and rehab will look like.

If his recovery ends up being closer to 16 months, he would return around the 2026 All-Star break.

Yet, there is a chance he is ready to go in May or June of 2026.

The earlier he can return to top form, the better the Yankees’ chances will be.

As far as their 2025 outlook, it has been heavily affected by Cole’s absence.