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, and the performance was as expected: 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, being limited to four-plus innings. He allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium but still showcased his prowess by compiling five strikeouts, issuing only one walk, and throwing a total of 62 pitches.
A Return to Form
Despite being away from the mound for an extended period, the 34-year-old right-hander didn't disappoint. His fastball touched 97 mph, inducing six swing-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. However, it was evident that Cole would not have the extensive pitch count he typically enjoys. In his third and final rehab start on Friday, he had been permitted to throw only 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings.
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. However, Cole quickly regrouped, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
In the second inning, he needed just seven pitches to retire the side. In the third, he issued a one-out walk to Henderson, who then stole second base on the next pitch but was stranded as Cole recorded his first three strikeouts of the season in that inning. In the fourth inning, Cole retired the side in order, showcasing two strikeouts on 16 pitches.
Finding His Rhythm
Taking the mound for the fifth inning, Cole eventually surrendered a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins and was subsequently pulled for reliever Ron Marinaccio. Marinaccio yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias, accounting for the second run charged to Cole. Despite not being flawless, Cole's performance demonstrated his capability to return to form.
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, with the focus now 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.
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. Boone emphasized the importance of building Cole up conservatively, saying, "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 added, "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."
The Yankees are clearly focused on a long-term strategy with Cole, taking into consideration his recent injury and the need to pace his progression back to full form. This approach will likely benefit both Cole and the Yankees as the season progresses, with Cole's elite skills and leadership providing a substantial advantage.
Cole's debut has set the stage for a promising return. The Yankees and their fans can look forward to seeing their ace back to peak performance, contributing significantly to their pursuit of victory throughout the season.