New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole took a step closer to returning from elbow inflammation. He threw off a mound for the first time since being shut down during spring training.

According to Jon Heyman of The New York Post, Cole could be returning to New York's rotation much sooner than originally expected. "Gerrit Cole is scheduled to throw his first bullpen Saturday, with the new target for his return [listed as] mid June," Heyman reports.

Gerrit Cole, the ace pitcher for the New York Yankees, marked a significant step forward in his recovery process by throwing off a mound in a bullpen session. This session marked his return to action since being sidelined during spring training due to inflammation in his right elbow.

Gerrit Cole did some heavy throwing this week, but the New York Yankees still don't expect him back anytime soon.