Cole, 35, has been recovering from Tommy John surgery over the past year. He gave up just two hits with three walks and two strikeouts on 72 pitches (50 strikes).
The 2023 Cy Young Award winner made his return to the mound for the first time since the 2024 World Series, already stacking highlights.
At the top of the first inning, Cole picked off the MLB's fastest base runner, Chandler Simpson, when the Rays had runners on first and second with one out, already looking to put up a run.
But Cole had other plans.
The Yankees entered Friday night's game with a 30-21 record, sitting just behind the Rays (33-15) for second in both the American League East division and third in the AL as a whole (Cleveland Guardians - 31-22).
