Gerrit Cole's Season Debut: Sharpening Skills Amid Rust
NEW YORK -- On Wednesday, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his highly anticipated season debut in a divisional clash against the Baltimore Orioles. His performance was as expected: sharp, with a hint of rust, and notably abbreviated.
Earlier this season, the reigning Cy Young Award winner was diagnosed with nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. As a result, Cole was meticulously monitored during his first appearance, being limited to just over four innings. He allowed two runs on three hits at Yankee Stadium, but despite being away from the mound for an extended period, the 34-year-old right-hander showcased his prowess.
Highlighting his capabilities, Cole compiled five strikeouts, issued only one walk, and threw a total of 62 pitches. His fastball even touched 97 mph, inducing six swing-and-misses. Yankees manager Aaron Boone refrained from disclosing 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 enjoy his usual extensive pitch count. He had only been permitted to throw 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings in his third and final rehab start on Friday.
A Rocky Start
The Orioles managed to deal 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, turning it into 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 resilience and control.
In the second inning, Cole needed just seven pitches to retire the side. His only hiccup came in the third inning when he issued a one-out walk to Henderson. Henderson stole second base on the next pitch but was left stranded as Cole recorded his first three strikeouts of the season in that inning.
Finding His Rhythm
By the fourth inning, Cole found his groove, retiring the side in order and striking out two batters on 16 pitches. When he took the mound for the fifth inning, he gave up a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins. Subsequently, Cole was pulled for reliever Ron Marinaccio, who yielded a two-run home run to Ramon Urias. This accounted for the second run charged to Cole.
Although Cole's performance wasn't flawless, it demonstrated his capability to return to form after his diagnosis. His fastball and sharp breaking pitches were evident, and his control mostly stayed intact, inspiring confidence in the Yankees' camp.
Looking Ahead
As the Yankees push forward in their season, Cole's return adds a significant boost to the team's rotation. His performance on Wednesday showcased glimpses of his elite form, even as he works to shake off the rust. The focus remains on gradually building his pitch count and ensuring a cautious progression in his outings.
The Yankees' decision to adopt a conservative approach with Cole underscores their commitment to preserving his long-term health and effectiveness. Boone echoed this sentiment, 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. 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."
Cole's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as the Yankees navigate through the season. His first game back serves as a promising indicator of what's to come. If he can continue to build on this performance, both Cole and the Yankees can look forward to a season filled with the outstanding pitching that fans have come to expect from their ace.