Gerrit Cole felt good as he checks another recovery box.

Five days before the one-year mark after Tommy John surgery, Cole threw two innings of live batting practice, throwing 30 pitches and topping out at 97.5 mph; manager Aaron Boone highlighted his sharp command.

Gerrit Cole threw two innings of live batting practice at Steinbrenner Field as part of his comeback from Tommy John surgery. The session came five days before the one-year anniversary of his surgery and marked the third time he has faced hitters this spring. Cole threw 30 pitches, including breaking balls, and reached 97.5 mph on his fastball. Manager Aaron Boone watched from behind the mound and noted Cole's command as a notable aspect of the outing. Noted developments: - Cole threw two innings of live batting practice and delivered 30 pitches at Steinbrenner Field. - He topped out at 97.5 mph and mixed in breaking balls during the session. - This was his third time facing hitters this spring, and the first across two innings with Boone observing behind the mound. - Boone singled out Cole's command, which is often slowest to return after Tommy John surgery. - Cole has reiterated a 14–18 month timeline for a return to the major league mound, which would put the earliest possible date at May 11. - Other camp notes included Carlos Lagrange alternating innings and showing triple-digit velocity, Carlos Rodón scheduled for another bullpen session, Randal Grichuk expected to debut soon, Rafael Montero delayed by visa/paperwork, and Adam Kloffenstein reassigned to minor league camp. Summary: Cole's two-inning session is another step in a measured rehabilitation process and highlights his command as he rebuilds toward game readiness. The Yankees say they will be disciplined with his timeline; Cole and the club continue to target a 14–18 month recovery window with May 11 cited as the earliest possible return. Other pitchers at camp are also progressing through scheduled rehab and spring activities.