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 much 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 was meticulously monitored in his first appearance back, being limited to just over four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium.
Despite being away from the mound for an extended period, the 34-year-old right-hander showcased his prowess by compiling five strikeouts, issuing only one walk, and throwing a total of 62 pitches. His fastball touched 97 mph, inducing six swings and misses.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone refrained from disclosing any specifics regarding Cole's pitch limit before the game, aiming to maintain a competitive edge against the Orioles. It was evident, however, that Cole would not have the extensive pitch count he typically enjoys. He had only been permitted to throw 68 pitches over 4 1/3 innings in his third and final rehab start on Friday.
A Rocky Start
The Orioles managed to inflict 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. Henderson stole second base on the next pitch 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, showcasing two strikeouts on 16 pitches. Taking the mound for the fifth inning, he eventually surrendered a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins. Subsequently, Cole was pulled for reliever Ron Marinaccio. Marinaccio yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias, accounting for the second run charged to Cole.
Cole's performance, though not flawless, demonstrated his capability to return to form. His fastball velocity, sharp breaking balls, and controlled command are clear signs that with a cautious increase in workload, he can be a dominant force on the mound once again.
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. Boone emphasized this strategy post-game:
"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."
Gerrit 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. While there may be a slight period of adjustment, Cole's elite skill set is expected to re-emerge fully sooner rather than later. The Yankees and their fans eagerly anticipate seeing their ace back at his dominant best, guiding them in their quest for postseason success.