Yankees' ace Gerrit Cole takes another step forward in his pitching rehab

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Gerrit Cole is measuring his progress in small steps, preparing to join a Yankees rotation that has enjoyed early season success.

“It’s been fun to watch,’’ said Cole, particularly the progress of Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt, on a starting staff that has posted the AL’s fourth lowest ERA (3.36) entering Saturday.

Cole had just concluded his third bullpen session since being diagnosed with elbow nerve irritation in early March, tossing 29 pitches before afternoon game at Tropicana Field, a 7-2 Rays win.

“Pretty good,’’ Cole said of the workout, which included 13 curveballs.

“Fastball profiles were good, location was good, and the velocity was where we wanted it,’’ said Cole, putting his average fastball speed at roughly 89.5 mph. “A lot of strikes.’’

Gerrit Cole remaining at Yankees' complex through Tuesday

The Yankees’ ace is expected to remain here to throw his next bullpen session at the team’s Tampa complex on Tuesday.

As to when he’ll resume pitching to live batters, well that’s yet to be determined.

Over the next couple of side sessions, Cole said he’ll be trying to progress toward two simulated innings.

“(We’ve) got to add the volume and intensity (and) feather that in strategically,’’ said Cole. “I’m not sure how many more until we face hitters.’’

But it’s already a positive sign that he’s incorporated off-speed pitches relative to a game ratio, and Cole feels he’s “making good progress’’ with his recovery between bullpens.

Beyond rehabbing, Cole’s interest and input with the Yankees’ young starters hasn’t gone unnoticed.

Schmidt and Gil have mentioned the helpful in-game tips Cole has provided, essentially serving as another pitching coach and a sounding board for advice.

Although, it’s nothing really new.

Gerrit Cole serving as the Yankees' extra pitching coach

“(Cole’s) always talking shop,’’ said manager Aaron Boone. “He obviously loves to share his experience and expertise with everyone.

“I think it’s one of the valuable parts of Gerrit that we all get to benefit from.’’

On Friday night, Schmidt tossed 6.2 scoreless innings, matching his longest career outing – “a big one last night for Clarke,’’ Cole said.

In his absence, as a staff, “they’re just all pulling the cart together, they’re doing a great job pitching together as a group, communicating and paying attention, feeding off one another, being competitive.’’

Entering Saturday, the Yankees were MLB’s only team to have five pitchers who’ve made at least seven starts this year with an ERA of 3.80 or lower.

“They’re all improving in their own ways, and they’ve been a real strength for us,’’ said Cole. “It’s been fun to watch.’’

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees' Gerrit Cole takes another step forward in his pitching rehab