rewrite this title Gerrit Cole reveals if Opening Day return to Yankees looks possible

Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole remains on track with his rehabilitation process after missing the entire 2025 season because of Tommy John surgery.

But he doesn’t anticipate he’ll be in the team’s rotation at the start of next season.

Speaking Tuesday at ALS United Greater New York’s annual Lou Gehrig Legacy Gala, Cole told The Post that his initial phase of his ramp-up program is “coming to a close” within the next month, but his timeline to return to play remains unclear.

Cole’s rehab program started in August with 20 pitches off flat ground and he’s slowly worked his way up from there.

Last week, he shared a clip of him delivering a strike from a mound in the Yankees bullpen.

The 35-year-old is feeling well and is expected to throw a few more bullpen sessions before taking some time off around the holidays.

“After that, we’ll kind of have a sit-down and figure out what that means for next season,” the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner said.

Cole said he isn’t sure when he might receive the green light from team doctors to pitch in real games.

“They mentioned that Opening Day is probably out of the picture and that seems to make the most sense at this point,” Cole said. “But when, afterwards, I’m not exactly sure. Hopefully as soon as possible.”

Cole appeared in two spring training games last year before undergoing Tommy John surgery in March.

The typical recovery timeline is around 14 months, which could mean Cole might not be back until around May or June.

Cole also weighed in on his teammate Cody Bellinger, who’s mulling free agency options.

“Cody’s outstanding,” Cole said. “I mean in my career, I’d never come across another player like Cody. I mean, two other players come to mind. I think of Josh Harrison and I think of Sean Rodriguez back when I was on the Pirates. Both players that I thought could play at least three major league positions at above-average defense. Cody fits that bill, and then also has a career OPS of .850, which is just in another league. So fantastic player all around, fantastic clubhouse guy and great family man.”

At Tuesday’s event, Cole received the Lou Gehrig Sports Award, which goes to athletes who exemplify the Iron Horse’s strength and values.

He said it was a “tremendous honor.”

“All that Lou Gehrig stands for, all that this organization does in the community, it’s something really special to be a part of,” Cole said. “Being a New York Yankee as well, getting to represent the Yankees brand and getting to represent everything Lou stood for on and off the field.”