Gerrit Cole nears Yankees return

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole could make his season debut as early as this Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the team is considering having the Cy Young winner rejoin the rotation directly rather than making another rehab start.

Cole has been sidelined with an elbow injury since spring training, and his return is seen as a vital boost for the Yankees' rotation.

Fantasy baseball managers are closely monitoring the situation as the right-hander increases his throwing intensity.