New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole is pleased with his comeback progression from a right elbow injury after throwing two, 15-pitch innings in a simulated game on Saturday.

The right-hander faced minor league hitters in front of his family and a large gathering of rookie-level players at the Yankees’ player development complex in Tampa.

“We hit all our goals,” said Cole, the former Orange Lutheran High and UCLA standout. “We did exactly what we wanted to do today. Threw a lot of strikes, so pretty good.”

Cole threw to hitters for the first time since spring training before Tuesday night’s game with Seattle at Yankee Stadium. The reigning AL Cy Young Award winner is looking to face hitters again in about five days.

“Get after the recovery and try to get back on the bump middle next week,” Cole said.

Cole made one spring training start, on March 1, and the Yankees announced 10 days later the 33-year-old right-hander’s elbow was ailing. He was diagnosed with nerve inflammation and edema and told to rest.

He didn’t throw off a mound again until May 5, the first of five bullpen sessions leading up to his initial session against hitters.

Cole likely would need four or five minor league starts before rejoining the Yankees, a timeline that makes a late June return possible.

RED SOX’S WHITLOCK DONE FOR SEASON >> Boston Red Sox right-hander Garrett Whitlock said his season is over and he’s expected to have his right ulnar collateral ligament repaired with an internal brace.

The 27-year-old Whitlock, who had Tommy John surgery when he was in the Yankees’ farm system in 2019, said the less evasive surgery is currently being planned.

Recovery from internal brace, which uses artificial material to make the repair, has allowed pitchers to return to the majors in as little as nine months. Tommy John surgery, which uses a tendon from elsewhere in the body to replace the torn ligament, has a rehab period of 12 to 18 months.

Off to a 1-0 record with a 1.96 ERA in four starts, Whitlock went on the injured list April 17 with a strained left oblique. He was on track to return after a rehab start for Triple-A Worcester on May 15, but woke up the next morning with pain in his elbow.