Gerrit Cole’s Absence Explained: Why the Yankees Star Pitcher Isn’t in the 2025 Playoff Rotation
Yankees Eye World Series Run Without Gerrit Cole in Playoff Lineup
Yankees Prepare for Postseason Without Pitching Ace Gerrit Cole
The New York Yankees are once again in the postseason, marking their eighth appearance in nine seasons. However, this time they are pursuing their second consecutive World Series run without a key player from 2024. Right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole, a significant force in the team’s success, will not be on the Yankees’ playoff roster for 2025, as he recovers from surgery. Nevertheless, Cole’s influence continues to resonate throughout the team, even from the sidelines.
Understanding Gerrit Cole’s Absence
Gerrit Cole’s absence in the 2025 postseason stems from having Tommy John surgery. Undergoing the procedure in March, Cole has been recovering throughout the 2025 MLB season while the Yankees made use of his roster spot by placing him on a 60-day injured list. Despite his absence from the field, Cole remains actively involved with the team, participating in infield drills as a baserunner as New York faced off against the Boston Red Sox in the wild-card series.
Gerrit Cole’s Recovery Journey
The journey back to the mound for Cole involves a projected 14-month recovery phase, having commenced his rehabilitation in March. By August 2025, Cole began engaging in a throwing program, executing 20 flat-ground throws. Provided there are no setbacks, the Yankees are hopeful for his complete recovery by May 2026. Nonetheless, the path back to pitching involves potential minor league rehab assignments and a cautious progression back to full-force play. The Yankees anticipate providing more specific updates as the 2026 season approaches.
Yankees’ 2025 Pitching Rotation Adjustments
Filling the void left by Gerrit Cole’s absence in the Yankees’ lineup is a challenging endeavor. The team has adapted by revolving its pitching strategy around star acquisition Max Fried. Here is a closer look at their current pitching rotation:
| 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 |
The Yankees continue to aim for their record-breaking 28th World Series title, demonstrating resilience and strategic play to compensate for missing their ace hurler. Stay updated with Emegypt for more insights and the latest developments from the Yankees’ postseason journey.
