Yankees Star Gerrit Cole's Return to the Mound: A Promising Start
He's (Nearly) Ready for Prime Time
The New York Yankees have managed to exceed expectations this season, even without their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, for much of it. Currently holding the best record in the majors, the team is on a hot streak that has fans dreaming of a World Series run. For those dreams to become reality, Cole’s health and performance are crucial.
Cole recently made his long-anticipated season debut, delivering a mix of promise and concern. He pitched four-plus innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and a single walk. While the stats show promise, especially considering it was his first game back, there were noticeable areas for improvement.
Most notably, Cole’s fastball velocity was down by 1.6 mph compared to last season, likely a result of his recent absence. He threw a total of 62 pitches, 40 of which were strikes, showcasing a reasonable command over his arsenal. Impressively, Cole induced six whiffs and 13 called strikes, implying that his stuff is still tricky for hitters to square up.
However, the Orioles’ batters did manage to hit six pitches at velocities of at least 101.5 mph, indicating that Cole was not yet at peak form. He improved as the game went on, eventually exiting to a standing ovation in the fifth inning. Though he did not factor into the decision, the emotional weight of his return was palpable.
He Wasn't Happy with How It Ended
Despite the overall positive return, Cole was visibly upset with himself over specific pitches. He was particularly critical of a high fastball to Cedric Mullins that resulted in a single. Mullins has historically performed well against Cole, and this outing was no exception.
There's 'More' to Come... but How Much More is a Mystery
A touching moment during the game was when Cole’s son was visibly excited to see his father back in the dugout. Interestingly, Yankees manager Aaron Boone chose not to reveal Cole's pitch count before the game. Boone later sensed that Cole was fatigued after the fourth inning and made the strategic decision to pull him. The plan is for Cole’s pitch count to increase gradually in future outings.
Boone echoed these sentiments, saying, "I thought he got better as the game went along." Such progress bodes well for the Yankees’ future, especially as Cole works his way back to full strength. Cole himself remains optimistic about his return to form.
There’s a consensus within the team that Cole has more in the tank. Yankee fans will need to stay tuned to see how quickly Cole can ramp up to his usual dominating self.
Quotes
Cole admitted, "This return was special and emotional."
"Cedric got me again on a high fastball," Cole acknowledged.
"He could have continued pitching but was stopped strategically," Boone explained.
"I think the location was good," Cole noted.
"The consistency probably has to progress as well with the pitch count. It's encouraging," Cole remarked.
"I held up well," Cole said.
"I'm tired now. It just demands a higher level of focus and execution," Cole added.
"I definitely could keep making pitches," Cole remarked.
"It was strategic in the pitch count," Cole concluded.
Cole's return to the mound may not have been flawless, but it was a significant step toward reestablishing himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. The Yankees have shown they can win without him, but having him perform at his peak could make them an unstoppable force come playoff time.
