The New York Yankees lost to the Texas Rangers 3-0 on Wednesday, ending their road trip with a 7-2 record. But it wasn’t all bad news for the Bombers. Yankees ace Gerrit Cole pitched well in a rehab start as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery, and even explained why he is debuting an over-the-head windup in the minor-league starts.

“I don’t really have a good answer for it,” Cole responded. “Just throwing the ball with [Yankees PT & Rehab Coordinator] Joe Bello all last summer, just doing this, and it felt kinda good. Keeps the rhythm going, I got a lot of positive feedback, you know? People like it. Not that I make changes if people like it, but it’s nice to hear. I just generally enjoy the rhythm of it. I think it keeps the tempo of the delivery kind of upbeat and fluid.”

Cole then went on to explain that his windup has changed slightly over the years. While this seems like a drastic change from his previous moves, he insists it is not a significant difference.

The last time Cole pitched for the Yankees was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series. That was the night his defense let him down and ruined a great start and any chance at an October comeback. He underwent Tommy John surgery in spring training last year, returning for camp in Tampa this year.

The Yankees have found a pitching gem in Cam Schlittler in the interim. They have the best record in the AL in part because Max Fried and Schlitter are early Cy Young candidates. If Cole and Carlos Rodon can bring their normal firepower to the rotation, the Yankees may have the best group of starters in baseball.

Cole has a new windup, but it is working for him in the minors. When will he join the Yankees in 2026?