New York Yankees right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole just stepped onto a major league mound for the first time in 569 days, and the 35-year-old didn't miss a beat

Before he makes his season debut, Cole will crouch behind the mound and take a moment for himself. Here are the reasons for his ritual.

The Yankees' ace is returning to the mound Friday after missing all of last season with an elbow injury that left him at his lowest point.