New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole continues to make significant progress in his rehab stint, leaving fans and the team excited for his imminent return to the rotation. Cole's dominant performance in his third rehab start on Friday with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders showcased his readiness to rejoin the big league club.

In a matchup against the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, Cole delivered an exceptional performance, lasting 4 1/3 innings and throwing 70 pitches. Throughout his outing, he displayed his trademark command, striking out 10 batters while not allowing a single walk. His final line for the night was equally impressive, with only two hits and one unearned run.

Cole's rehab journey has been nothing short of remarkable, as he aims to recover from right elbow inflammation that hindered his participation in the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner's regular season. Over his three rehab starts, covering a total of 12 1/3 innings, Cole has recorded an impressive 19 strikeouts with zero walks. These remarkable numbers reflect not only his skill and talent but also the quality of his recovery process.

While Yankees manager Aaron Boone remained tight-lipped about the exact date of Cole's return, it is evident that the star pitcher is progressing exceptionally well. Boone emphasized the importance of observing Cole's performance in his rehab starts before making any decisions regarding his comeback to the big leagues. The manager stressed the significance of Cole reaching certain thresholds and ensuring that he can carry his stuff effectively in a higher-pressure setting.

Boone emphasized that conversations with Cole and the team's medical staff would play a crucial role in determining the next steps. The Yankees want to ensure that Cole's arm is feeling strong and ready for the challenges ahead. The decision of whether Cole will require a fourth rehab start is expected to be made by Sunday.

Speaking about his desire to contribute to the team's current success, Cole expressed his eagerness to return to the field as soon as possible. He spoke highly of the Yankees and their exciting performance, motivating him even more to reach his peak condition.

With Cole's rehab progress reaching impressive heights, fans can anticipate his return to the Yankees' rotation in the near future. As the team continues its successful campaign, Cole's comeback will undoubtedly provide a significant boost and add to their already formidable pitching arsenal.

The Yankees, their fans, and Gerrit Cole himself eagerly await the final decision on his comeback. With his dominant rehab performances, it seems increasingly likely that the ace pitcher will soon be back on the mound, ready to make an impact once again.