Yankees news: Gerrit Cole gets ideal return start

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 22: Gerrit Cole #45 of the New York Yankees looks on during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Yankee Stadium on May 22, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images FOX Sports | Deesha Thosar: Gerrit Cole made his triumphant return to the mound on Friday. After missing all of last season and the start of this one as he recovered from Tommy John surgery, the former Cy Young Award winner needed only 72 pitc