Gerrit Cole's Season Debut: Sharpening Skills Amid Rust
NEW YORK -- New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his highly anticipated season debut in a divisional clash against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday. His performance was as expected: sharp, with a hint of rust, and notably brief.
Earlier in the season, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. With this in mind, his first appearance back on the mound was closely monitored, limiting him to only four-plus innings. Despite the restriction, Cole allowed just two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium.
Managing the Comeback
The 34-year-old right-hander showcased his elite skill set despite his extended absence. He tallied five strikeouts, issued only one walk, and threw a total of 62 pitches. Notably, his fastball reached 97 mph, inducing six swing-and-misses. Yankees manager Aaron Boone had kept specifics about Cole's pitch limit under wraps before the game to maintain a competitive edge.
It was evident Cole would not enjoy his usual extensive pitch count. Prior to this game, he had thrown just 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings in his third and final rehab start on Friday. Boone emphasized a cautious approach, stating, "We'll build him conservatively here to get him built up. And frankly, with all our guys, we'll kind of see where they're at and what we feel like makes the most sense." He continued, "I don't necessarily think it'll be extra moving forward. It'll just be about conservatively getting [the pitches] up."
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, resulting in a double. Two batters later, Ryan O'Hearn slashed a slider for a two-out, RBI ground-rule double on an 0-2 count.
Nonetheless, Cole quickly regained his composure. In the second inning, he needed just seven pitches to retire the side. He issued a one-out walk to Henderson in the third inning. Henderson then stole second base on the next pitch but was left stranded as Cole recorded his first three strikeouts of the season in that third inning.
Finding His Rhythm
In the fourth inning, Cole retired the side in order, recording two strikeouts on 16 pitches. Returning to the mound for the fifth inning, he eventually surrendered a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins. Subsequently, Cole was pulled for reliever Ron Marinaccio, who then yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias. The second run was charged to Cole, although his overall performance illustrated his capability to regain his form.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees continue their season, Cole's return provides a significant boost to the team. His performance on Wednesday offered glimpses of his elite form. The focus will now be on gradually increasing his pitch count and ensuring a cautious progression in his outings. The Yankees' decision to take a conservative approach with Cole highlights their commitment to preserving his long-term health and effectiveness.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone summarized the strategy moving forward: "And, then again, listening to each start, too, to see where he is." Cole's resilience and adaptability will be crucial as the Yankees navigate the season. His performance against the Orioles serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead for both Cole and the team.
Gerrit Cole's debut may have been abbreviated, but in those short innings, he demonstrated why he remains a pivotal figure for the Yankees. As they strategize his careful return, the team looks ahead with optimism, knowing that their ace is back and steadily rediscovering his formidable form.