Yankees' Aaron Boone clears the air on Gerrit Cole's Spring Training timeline before Red Sox start

New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is as anxious as anyone to have Gerrit Cole back in the starting rotation. 

But since it was announced that Cole would throw one inning in today's spring game against the Boston Red Sox, some confusion arose. Cole will be making his first appearance in a game since undergoing Tommy John Surgery last March. 

“The fact that he’s getting into a game now kind of indicates where he is and how well it is going,” Boone told The Athletic's Brendan Kuty on Tuesday. “I don’t want people to think we’re speeding this thing up or anything. That’s not the case. It’s just — he’s ready to do this.”

Cole's target date to return fully healthy is late May to early June. His fastball velocity in bullpens has been a welcoming sign for the AL East club's coaching staff, particularly pitching coach Matt Blake. Cole touched 97 mph in February. 

Cole to throw one inning vs. Red Sox 

As previously noted, Cole is the Yankees' starting pitcher for Wednesday's game at George M. Steinbrenner Field against the Red Sox. 

A change in his delivery that will be easily recognizable since the last time he took the mound is him bringing his glove over his head in the windup. Cole doesn't attribute much to the change; it feels good. 

“I was just goofing around one day, trying to make light of the monotony during last summer. It felt good,” Cole told MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. “I liked the rhythm. I just kind of stuck with it.”

The Yankees will have a better idea where he is with his rehab process after today's outing, but it's nonetheless a hopeful sign for what's to come. 

More MLB news:

• New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has insane praise for Luis Robert Jr.
• Los Angeles Dodgers predicted to break baseball after recent Kyle Tucker outlook
• Former Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Dustin May gets shocking prediction heading into season with Cardinals
• Detroit Tigers top prospect has debut timeline predicted by ESPN’s Jeff Passan
• Blue Jays’ Dylan Cease predicted to be worth every bit of massive contract Toronto handed out
• New York Yankees’ Spencer Jones gets harsh reality prediction heading into season