Gerrit Cole threw 84 pitches over 5 2/3 sharp innings in his second intrasquad start Sunday.
The ace right- hander said he tired a bit in his sixth inning with temperatures in the low 90s, but he was encouraged overall.
Boone said Cole is unlikely to pitch in New York’s three exhibition games against the Mets and Phillies. More likely, Cole will face hitters and push his pitch count a bit higher on Friday, then take advantage of an extra day of rest before opening against the World Series champion Nationals the following Thursday.
JULIE JACOBSON - THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
FILE - In this July 20, 2018, file photo, New York Mets’ Yoenis Cespedes stretches before a baseball game against the New York Yankees in New York. When baseball comes back next month, Cespedes might finally be ready to return, too. Sidelined for nearly two years by injuries and then the coronavirus pandemic, the Mets slugger could be healthy enough at last to play on opening day in late July — especially with the designated hitter available in the National League this season. General manager Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday, June 29, 2020, the team is optimistic about Céspedes.