THE DATE IS SET! COLE'S RETURN IS ALMOST HERE

I've been anxiously awaiting two important moments to happen. One of them is about to happen, and it's been a long time coming. We've all been waiting for the announcement that Gerrit Cole will start a rehab assignment and it's finally here.... tomorrow. The first of two important events is finally here.

Cole's rehab begins tomorrow with Double-A Somerset with a potential return to big league action by the end of June. Aaron Boone says Cole will pitch in "at least a couple" rehab games and I would expect the Yankees to exercise caution and use most of that 30-day rehab clock just to make sure Cole is stretched back out and ready for big league action. You can read more HERE and start to rejoice.

I can be a pretty impatient person, but I think the Yankees have made all the right moves with Cole's rehab so far. I also think that Cole getting closer to a return is a good thing for the rotation since Clarke Schmidt has a lat strain and will likely be out until at least August BUT that shouldn't make them try to speed through his rehab assignment. The Yankees have exceeded expectations without Cole, and the starters have been a strength for this team so there's no need to make hasty decisions.

If Cody Poteet had a disastrous outing, they may feel some pressure to find another solution fast, but for now, there is no reason to believe Poteet can't hold down the last roster spot until Cole returns to the lineup. The Yankees have the ability right now to let Cole slowly ramp up while giving Schmidt the time to rest, which he definitely needs.

A sense of normalcy is on the horizon, and I can't wait. We are all happy with what we have seen so far from the Yankees. I'm happy to see the Yankees competing with the Baltimore Orioles. I really didn't expect to have a three-game lead against them at this point while the rest of the AL East is in the basement but I will take it. It's definitely felt strange to not have our ace throwing meaningful games, and we are finally getting closer to the norm.

I'm ready to see Cole back on that mound pitching in Yankee stadium. We are almost there.... but as long as we get there without setbacks, I will be a happy camper. Tomorrow is step one, but step two is coming soon, and it will be worth the wait.

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj