Gerrit Cole's Season Debut: Sharpening Skills Amid Rust
NEW YORK -- New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his much-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 abbreviated.
Earlier in the season, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow, which sidelined him for an extended period.
Carefully Managed Return
In his first appearance back, Cole was meticulously monitored and limited to just over four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium.
Despite the lengthy hiatus from the mound, the 34-year-old right-hander demonstrated his prowess by compiling five strikeouts and allowing only one walk. He threw a total of 62 pitches during the outing.
His fastball remained formidable, touching speeds of 97 mph and inducing six swing-and-misses, offering a tantalizing glimpse of his elite capabilities.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone decided not to disclose specific details regarding Cole's pitch limit prior to the game, aiming to maintain a competitive edge against the Orioles. It was clear, however, that Cole wouldn't be granted his typically extensive pitch count.
In preparation for his comeback, Cole had only been allowed to throw a maximum of 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings during his third and final rehab start on Friday.
A Rocky Start
The Orioles managed to challenge Cole in the first inning. Gunnar Henderson led off with a one-hopper that glanced off second baseman Gleyber Torres' glove, which was ruled as a double. Two batters later, Ryan O'Hearn connected with a slider for a two-out, RBI ground-rule double on an 0-2 count.
Despite the shaky start, Cole swiftly regrouped, demonstrating his resilience. In the second inning, he required just seven pitches to retire the side.
In the third inning, he issued a one-out walk to Henderson, who then stole second base. However, Cole showcased his mettle by recording his first three strikeouts of the season in that inning, leaving Henderson stranded.
Finding His Rhythm
As the game progressed, Cole found his rhythm. He retired the side in order during the fourth inning, adding two more strikeouts on 16 pitches to his tally.
Returning to the mound for the fifth inning, Cole eventually conceded a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins. This led to his departure, with reliever Ron Marinaccio taking over. Marinaccio subsequently allowed a two-run home run to Ramon Urias, resulting in the second run being charged to Cole's performance for the game.
While the outing wasn't without flaws, Cole's ability to exhibit moments of dominance was apparent.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees move forward in their season, Cole's return provides a significant boost to the team. His performance on Wednesday showcased glimpses of the elite form that has brought him acclaim. 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's comments reflect the team's strategy: "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."
Boone emphasized that this cautious approach wouldn't necessarily be the standard moving forward but would be continually assessed based on Cole's progress and condition: "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."
In summary, 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 sign of what lies ahead for both Cole and the team. Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly watching to see Cole return to full strength and lead the Yankees' pitching staff with his trademark dominance.