Yankees Optimistic on Cole Return as Rodón Aims for April
Gerrit Cole will throw an inning in a Grapefruit League game as he continues his Tommy John rehab, with a late-April return to the rotation still possible but not guaranteed; Carlos Rodón is similarly targeting April after elbow surgery, though the exact timeline remains fluid. Opening Day starter will be Max Fried, while Cole and Rodón remain sidelined; Boone said Ryan McMahon can play shortstop in a pinch behind José Caballero as Anthony Volpe opens the season on the injured list. The club is also evaluating rotation options (Schlittler, Gil, Warren, Weathers) and bench flexibility with Grichuk in consideration for the roster.