Gerrit Cole makes second rehab start for Double-A Somerset

SOMERSET, N.J. — Making his second rehab start for Double-A Somerset, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole threw 4 2/3 innings and allowed one run on two hits against the Hartford Yard Goats on Sunday afternoon. He struck out four batters on 57 pitches (44 strikes).

The blemish came on a first-inning homer when Cole’s 91 mph offering was roped down the left-field line just inside the foul pole by Ryan Ritter, the Rockies’ No. 12 prospect.

Velocity readings on the TD Bank Ballpark scoreboard mostly sat in the upper-80s and low-90s. Cole, who is working his way back from a right elbow ailment, reached 96 mph once (in the fifth inning) and 95 mph five times. Those numbers are considered unofficial. Cole got stronger as the game went on, striking out the last two batters he faced before exiting to a standing ovation.

The Yankees haven’t determined how many more rehab starts — if any — Cole will need before joining the AL’s top club.

On Saturday, when asked if Cole, who has a 1.13 ERA through two rehab starts, would need another Minor League outing before getting activated, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, “I think that’s possible, that he doesn’t come to us at 100 pitches. What that point is, I don’t know. That hasn’t been decided yet. Gerrit will have a big say in that. He might throw more in the Minor Leagues in his last game, then come here and go a little less, knowing that it’s a step up in adrenaline and all that goes with being here. We’ll map that out as we go.”