NEW YORK — Gerrit Cole still has a long road ahead before he can return to the Yankees’ starting rotation, but early this coming week, he’s in line to take the first big step in his elbow rehab.

Cole will play catch within the next few days, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said before Sunday morning’s series finale against the Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium.

It’ll be Cole’s first time throwing since he was diagnosed with nerve inflammation in his pitching elbow, resulting in a rare trip to the injured list.

Being that Cole is on the 60-day IL — a stint that begin on Opening Day, March 28 — the earliest the ace can be back is the very end of May. The Yankees won’t rush the right-hander through his throwing program, though, certainly not with an injury in this sensitive of a spot. Early June, if not later, is a safe bet for Cole’s highly-anticipated return.

RESTORING THE GLORY

Everything has been on schedule to this point in Cole’s recovery. His initial diagnosis called for a three-to-four week shutdown period. Sunday marks three weeks and one day since the right-hander spoke at his locker at Steinbrenner Field, his first public comments since his elbow started barking in Grapefruit League play.

Since then, Cole has been strengthening his arm, working out and making his presence felt in the clubhouse and dugout. The ace traveled with the Yankees on their season-opening trip to Houston and Arizona, acting like an extra pitching coach by offering his insight with teammates.

Boone has noticed Cole pulling other pitchers aside and staying locked in during games. It’s no surprise because that’s the way the right-hander always acts when he’s not starting, even when healthy.

“That’s who he is,” Boone said on Saturday afternoon. “I think I saw a clip of him when he was on YES. He’s gotten good at watching games over the years even being healthy. He watches 125, 130 games a year. As we all know, he’s very invested on those days. It’s frankly not much different than that. He lends his experience and knowledge and thoughts wherever he feels he can help help somebody.”

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