Yankees News: Gerrit Cole return, Lou Gehrig Day, Spencer Jones

It was a memorable road trip for the New York Yankees, who capped it off with a sweep of the San Francisco Giants (in comeback fashion) to finish 7-2 on their nine-game West Coast jaunt (they also won series against the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim).

But a lot more had transpired on Sunday, especially for those who weren't dialed in over the weekend. Firstly, and bestly, Gerrit Cole is nearing his return to the team. Manager Aaron Boone informed the media of a big development before the series finale against the Giants.

Cole is set for a rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset on Tuesday after his successful work at the team's facility in Tampa. The timing couldn't be better, either, because the Yankees just lost Clarke Schmidt for two months with a lat injury.

For now, the awkward discussion of who gets moved to the bullpen will be put on hold, but Cole's imminent return will help the league's best rotation become even more fearsome.

Yankees News: Gerrit Cole update has him tabbed for Red Sox series

When will he return, though? Boone said Cole will need a few minor league starts, and depending on how the first couple go, the right-hander could be back for the team's first series against the division-rival Boston Red Sox on June 14-16.

The Yankees have remained fairly guarded on a timeline for Cole, with fans suspecting he could be ready by the beginning of June or as late as the All-Star break. Perhaps we'll meet somewhere in the middle with this optimistic prediction.

Yankees News: MLB celebrates 4th annual Lou Gehrig Day

As for legends of the game, Lou Gehrig and his battle with ALS was recognized on June 2, which was the fourth annual "Lou Gehrig Day" after the league started it back in 2021.

In what's become a beautiful way for the baseball community to rally and support those suffering from the degenerative disease, the Yankees have made sure to give Sarah Langs, a young researcher and reporter for MLB.com, an even bigger platform for her struggles with ALS for the second year in a row.

Before she appeared on Sunday Night Baseball, the Yankees featured Langs in a video with others battling ALS in addition to current Yankees players.

The fight continues.

Yankees News: Top prospect Spencer Jones is on a heater

Down on the farm, Yankees fans have kept a close eye on Jasson Dominguez, who is making his way back from Tommy John surgery, but his counterpart in Specner Jones has also been tearing it up at Double-A. Gerrit Cole about to get a closer look?!

Impressive. Unfortunately, Jones has a lot of work to do. Even on this current run, he's batting just .228 with a .665 OPS in 40 games. He has just 11 extra-base hits and has struck out an astounding 63 times in 180 plate appearances.

Jones' impressive showings with the team in spring training (as well as the inaugural spring breakout) were exciting, but the 23-year-old has two more levels to conquer (or at least adequately handle) before fans see him in the Bronx.