Gerrit Cole's Season Debut: Sharpening Skills Amid Rust
NEW YORK -- New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his long-awaited season debut in a divisional clash against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
His performance was as anticipated: sharp, with a hint of rust, and abbreviated.
Earlier in the season, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Consequently, Cole's long road back to the mound was closely monitored. In his first appearance, he was limited to four-plus innings, a shortened start by his usual standards.
Meticulous Monitoring
On Wednesday, Cole allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium. Despite his time away from the mound, the 34-year-old right-hander showcased his skillset by striking out five batters, issuing only one walk, and throwing a total of 62 pitches. His fastball touched 97 mph, inducing six swing-and-misses.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone refrained from disclosing specifics regarding Cole's pitch limit before the game, aiming to maintain a competitive edge against the Orioles. It was understood, however, that Cole would not have his typical extensive pitch count. He had only been allowed to throw 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings in his third and final rehab start on the prior Friday.
A Rocky Start
The Orioles inflicted most of their damage against Cole in the first inning. Gunnar Henderson led off with a one-hopper that bounced off second baseman Gleyber Torres' glove, ruling it as a double. Two batters later, Ryan O'Hearn slashed a slider for a two-out, RBI ground-rule double on an 0-2 count.
Cole quickly regrouped, demonstrating his resilience. In the second inning, he needed just seven pitches to retire the side. He issued a one-out walk to Henderson in the third, who then stole second base but was stranded as Cole recorded his first three strikeouts of the season in that inning.
Finding His Rhythm
In the fourth inning, Cole retired the side in order, tallying two strikeouts on 16 pitches. Taking the mound for the fifth inning, he eventually allowed a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins. Subsequently, Cole was pulled for reliever Ron Marinaccio, who later yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias. This home run accounted for the second run charged to Cole.
Cole's performance, though not flawless, demonstrated his capability to return to form. His outing against the Orioles displayed both resilience and moments of the elite pitching that has made him one of the top aces in the league.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees continue their season, Cole's return adds a significant boost to the team. His performance on Wednesday showcased glimpses of his elite form. The focus remains on gradually building his pitch count and ensuring a cautious progression in his outings.
The Yankees' decision to take a conservative approach with Cole underscores their commitment to preserving his long-term health and effectiveness. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized this patient approach during his post-game remarks.
"We'll build him conservatively here to get him built up," Boone said. "And, frankly, with all our guys, we'll kind of see where they're at and what we feel like makes the most sense. I don't necessarily think it'll be extra moving forward. It'll just be about conservatively getting [the pitches] up. But, then again, listening to each start, too, to see where he is."
Cole's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as the Yankees navigate through the season. His performance against the Orioles serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead for both Cole and the team. The Yankees' fortunes will largely hinge on Cole's ability to return to and sustain his peak performance levels, making his conservative buildup all the more critical to their long-term success.