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 highly anticipated divisional clash against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
As was expected, his performance was a mix of sharpness, rust, and brevity. Earlier in the season, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was sidelined due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Consequently, Cole's initial appearance was meticulously monitored and limited to just over four innings.
Despite the constraints, Cole showed glimpses of his dominant form. He allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium, notching five strikeouts and issuing only one walk. Over a total of 62 pitches, his fastball reached 97 mph, generating six swing-and-misses. Yankees manager Aaron Boone chose not to disclose specifics regarding Cole's pitch limit prior to the game, aiming to maintain a competitive edge against the Orioles. Notably, Cole had thrown 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings in his final rehab start, providing context for his limited workload in this outing.
A Rocky Start
The Orioles inflicted most of their damage 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. However, Cole quickly regrouped and demonstrated his resilience. In the second inning, he needed just seven pitches to retire the side.
In the third inning, Cole issued a one-out walk to Henderson, who subsequently stole second base. However, Cole struck out the next three batters to end the inning, marking his first three strikeouts of the season.
Finding His Rhythm
Cole continued to find his rhythm in the fourth inning, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts on 16 pitches. Taking the mound for the fifth inning, he surrendered a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins, prompting Boone to pull him in favor of reliever Ron Marinaccio. Marinaccio subsequently yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias, accounting for the second run charged to Cole.
Though his performance wasn't flawless, it demonstrated his capability to return to form. His resilience and ability to adapt quickly stood out, providing hope for the Yankees as they navigate the season.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees continue their campaign, Cole's return provides a significant boost to the team. His performance on Wednesday showcased glimpses of his elite form, indicating promising signs for the future. The focus will now be 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. As Boone mentioned, "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."
Boone also emphasized the importance of monitoring each start closely, stating, "I don't necessarily think it'll be extra moving forward. It'll just be about conservatively getting [the pitches] up. But, again, listening to each start, too, to see where he is."
Cole's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as the Yankees work through their schedule. His outing against the Orioles serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead for both Cole and the team. Yankees fans and management alike will be eagerly watching as Cole continues to sharpen his skills and shake off any lingering rust in the upcoming weeks.