Massive Gerrit Cole update can help Yankees cope with another awful loss to Mariners

Just over the weekend, Gerrit Cole threw a bullpen session that had New York Yankees fans wondering when he'll be taking the next step in his recovery process. Cole said he would need to build up a little bit more before facing live hitters, but it appears he was already there.

The Yankees' ace threw live batting practice at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday before the team's game against the Seattle Mariners. Not only that, but he dressed in his full pinstripe uniform. Can you tell he's itching to get back?

There's still more than likely a conservative timeline for Cole's 2024 debut, but this is the best proof we have yet of his return being real. And the quotes in the aftermath make it even better.

First of all, Cole himself said he "wouldn't rule out" a potential June return, despite Aaron Boone previously indicating it'd be closer to the All-Star break. The right-hander threw 20 live pitches of batting practice to Oswaldo Cabrera and Jahmai Jones, in what was deemed a success.

Pitching coach Matt Blake also had to tell Cole to "cool it down" as the Yankees ace dialed it up to 96 MPH on the radar gun.

Massive Gerrit Cole update can help Yankees cope with another awful loss to Mariners

Never mind the Yankees blew a 4-1 lead in the ninth inning on Monday night. Never mind the Yankees lost again in agonizing fashion on Tuesday night, dropping back-to-back games at home for the first time all season. Never mind Aaron Boone made another bullpen blunder. This is our coping medicine!

It doesn't matter how the pitching staff needs to adjust when Cole is ready to start games again. He will be joining a group that has the best ERA in the league. He will be leading by example for real as opposed to acting as a guiding voice while he's on the bench or in the clubhouse.

Cole was pleased with his output, citing the life on his fastball and the sharpness of his slider and curve. He only took issue with his changeup, which he "pushed beneath the zone." It was yet another pain-free throwing session, and this was the most intense to date.

Sandwiched in between two maddening Yankees losses was this Cole update, which should hold fans over and prevent them from the knee-jerk torches and pitchforks after the team somehow managed to squashs its sky-high momentum.