New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole threw 29 pitches, including curveballs, on Saturday during his third bullpen session since injuring his elbow in spring training.
Cole mentioned that he threw 13 curveballs, and his fastball reached 89 mph during the session before the Yankees’ game in Tampa Bay.
“Fastball profiles were good,” Cole said. “Location was good. Velocity was where we wanted. A lot of strikes.”
The right-hander isn’t sure how many more times he’ll practice on the mound before facing hitters. However, he mentioned that the plan is to simulate two innings in the upcoming sessions.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone announced that outfielder Jasson Domínguez would serve as the designated hitter for Single-A Tampa for the first two weeks starting either Tuesday or Wednesday. The 21-year-old had a strong performance last September before injuring his right elbow, which required Tommy John surgery.
Infielder DJ LeMahieu, who has been sidelined with a right foot injury, participated in live batting practice against injured right-hander JT Brubaker at the Yankees’ complex in Tampa.
Boone mentioned that LeMahieu would face pitching again on Tuesday and is getting close to a rehab assignment.
Reliever Tommy Kahnle, who has been on the injured list with a shoulder injury, struck out one batter during a perfect inning in his second outing with Single-A Tampa. He is scheduled to join Double-A Somerset on Tuesday.
