Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees' ace pitcher, returned to the mound for his first minor league rehab start at Double-A Somerset after undergoing Tommy John surgery. In the game against Reading, a Philadelphia Phillies affiliate, Cole pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on three hits, including a two-run homer, while striking out three batters. Yankees manager Aaron Boone expressed optimism about Cole's recovery, stating, "Another good step along the way for him." Cole's target was approximately 45 pitches, and he exited the game with a 7-3 lead. In addition to Cole, Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe, who is rehabbing a torn labrum, contributed by going 1 for 2 with a single, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Meanwhile, fellow pitcher Carlos Rodón is set to face hitters in live batting practice as he nears the start of his rehab assignment. Cole, a six-time All-Star and the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, is signed to a $324 million contract through 2028 and has a career record of 153-80 with a 3.18 ERA across 317 starts.