Facing an opposing club for the first time since last year’s World Series, Gerrit Cole said it was “a surprise” to make a fourth trip to the mound in his spring debut on Friday -- but a welcome one, because it meant he’d been efficient.

Gerrit Cole was strong in his spring training debut and the Yankees used three home runs from their split-squad to get past the Blue Jays, 6-3, on Friday night at George M. Steinbrenner Field.

Looking to reestablish himself as the Yankees workhorse atop the staff, Gerrit Cole was terrific during his first spring start for the Yankees on Friday.