New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that starting pitcher Gerrit Cole will start on Tuesday for the Somerset Patriots in his first rehab start since injuring his elbow in spring training, according to Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

This is good timing for the Yankees, as they just lost Clarke Schmidt due to an injury, and he likely will be out for a significant amount of time. Cody Poteet is taking the vacant spot in the rotation for now, and he was solid in his first start since Clarke Schmidt's injury on Saturday against the San Francisco Giants. Gerrit Cole starting to make rehab starts is encouraging for a potential return in either late June or early July.

Cole suffered his elbow injury in spring training while ramping up to try to start pitching in games, and some thought of the worst possibility when the injury was initially reported, but luckily it was one that should not keep him out for the year, barring a setback. While recently throwing and facing hitters, Cole has recovered well, which is the biggest thing for him at this point. Needless to say, Cole returning to the rotation and performing to his ability would be huge for the Yankees.

Yankees' outlook with Gerrit Cole's eventual return

The Yankees have gotten great performances from starting pitchers Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes, Schmidt and Luis Gil. As mentioned before, Schmidt's injury is a blow to the rotation, so Cole slotting back into the rotation is big.

New York is off to a great start this season, sitting at 41-19 overall on the season and in first place in the American League East. There is an argument for the Yankees being the best team in baseball right now, even before Cole rejoins the rotation. Fans are undoubtedly envisioning what level the team can perform at with the defending American League Cy Young award winner back in the rotation.

Given the length of Cole's absence, it would make sense if he took some time to get back to peak form. Luckily, the Yankees should be in a place where there is a lot of cushion when it comes to playoff positioning. The Baltimore Orioles likely will challenge New York for the American League East crown, but in 2023 the Texas Rangers showed that while winning the division is ideal, it is not essential.

For the Yankees, it is World Series or bust, and Cole is one of the most important figures on the roster when it comes to their chances in the playoffs. He is the ace of the staff, and can set the tone in any short series. It will be worth monitoring Cole's performance and reports regarding how he feels after his start with the Patriots on Tuesday.