Overview
- The Yankees ace faced live hitters for the first time since last spring’s surgery in a controlled batting-practice session in Tampa.
- His fastball sat around 95–96 mph and topped near 97 mph, including a 96.9 reading reported by camp observers.
- Cole said he felt great the next morning and admitted he was a little surprised by the velocity spike.
- Aaron Judge, who faced him twice, said Cole looked like his usual self and that you would not have known he was coming off surgery.
- The team has not set how many more live sessions he will throw before any Grapefruit League action, with a potential late May or June return possible if progress tracks to plan.