While the New York Yankees softened their longstanding facial hair policy on Friday, ace Gerrit Cole said general manager Brian Cashman told players not to go overboard with their beards.

The Yankees essentially called Cole on his bluff and declined to add the extra year, which ultimately led to Cole rescinding the opt-out and never testing free agency.

Two years after winning the AL Cy Young and one year after a season-delaying elbow injury, Gerrit Cole expects to regain his place among baseball's best hurlers.