1. Gerrit Cole: He's (Nearly) Ready for Prime Time
The New York Yankees have been a pleasant surprise this season, managing to surpass expectations without significant contributions from their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, for much of the year. Holding the best record in Major League Baseball, the team has ignited the hopes of a World Series run among its loyal fanbase. However, for those dreams to become a reality, Cole’s health and performance will be pivotal.
Cole recently made his much-anticipated season debut, delivering a performance that offered both hope and concern. He pitched four-plus innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and a single walk. While these statistics are promising, especially given it was his first game back, there were noticeable areas in need of improvement.
Most concerning was the dip in Cole’s fastball velocity, down by 1.6 mph compared to last season, likely a result of his recent absence from the mound. Cole threw a total of 62 pitches, 40 of which were strikes, showcasing a reasonable command over his arsenal. Impressively, he induced six swings and misses and 13 called strikes, indicating that his pitches still have the ability to deceive hitters.
However, the Orioles’ batters managed to hit six pitches at velocities of at least 101.5 mph, showing that Cole was not yet at his peak form. Despite this, he improved as the game progressed, exiting to a standing ovation in the fifth inning. While he did not factor into the decision, the emotional impact of his return was tangible.
2. He Wasn't Happy with How It Ended
Despite the overall positive outing, 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 been a thorn in Cole's side, and this game was no exception. Cole’s visible frustration underscored his competitive nature and high standards for himself.
3. There's 'More' to Come... but How Much More is a Mystery
A heartwarming moment during the game was seeing Cole’s son, visibly excited to see his father back in the dugout. Manager Aaron Boone, interestingly, chose not to disclose 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 to gradually increase Cole’s pitch count in future outings.
Boone echoed positive sentiments about Cole’s performance, saying, "I thought he got better as the game went along." Such progress is a promising sign for the Yankees’ future, especially as Cole works his way back to full strength. Cole himself remains optimistic about his return to form, with a general consensus within the team that he 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
Reflecting on his return, Cole admitted, "This return was special and emotional." He also acknowledged the challenges he faced, stating, "Cedric got me again on a high fastball." Boone explained the decision to pull Cole, noting, "He could have continued pitching but was stopped strategically." Despite his self-criticism, Cole found some positives in his outing: "I think the location was good." He added, "The consistency probably has to progress as well with the pitch count. It's encouraging."
Cole remained optimistic about his physical condition, stating, "I held up well." However, he acknowledged the toll it took, saying, "I'm tired now. It just demands a higher level of focus and execution." Despite the fatigue, Cole was confident in his ability to continue, remarking, "I definitely could keep making pitches." In conclusion, he reiterated the strategic nature of his removal from the game: "It was strategic in the pitch count."
In summary, Gerrit Cole's return to the mound was a complex tapestry of emotions, expectations, and realities. The Yankees will look to their ace as they aspire for postseason glory, and Cole's gradual return to form will be a storyline worth following as the season progresses.
