The New York Yankees have impressively managed to exceed expectations this season, achieving the best record in the majors without the consistent presence of their ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole. Cole, who has been out for a significant portion of the season, finally made his long-anticipated return recently. This return brought a mix of both hope and concern to fans eagerly dreaming of a World Series run.
In his first game back, Cole pitched four-plus innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and one walk. These mixed results highlighted both his potential and areas needing improvement. Notably, his fastball velocity was down by 1.6 mph from last season, likely an effect of his recent absence. Cole threw a total of 62 pitches, of which 40 were strikes, demonstrating reasonable command over his pitches. Despite some challenges, he managed to induce six whiffs and 13 called strikes, suggesting that his pitching still poses significant difficulties for batters.
However, there were signs that Cole was not at his peak. Orioles’ batters hit six of his pitches at velocities of at least 101.5 mph, a testament to Cole's current struggle to return to peak form. Nonetheless, Cole improved as the game went on, and he received a standing ovation when exiting in the fifth inning, underscoring the emotional significance of his return.
He Wasn’t Happy with How It Ended
Despite the overall positive return, Cole was critical of his performance, specifically addressing a high fastball to Cedric Mullins that resulted in a single. Historically, Mullins has had success against Cole, and this game was no exception. This critique shows Cole's high standards and his desire to improve even the smallest aspects of his game.
There’s 'More' to Come... but How Much More is a Mystery
One touching moment during the game was when Cole’s son, visibly excited, watched his father return to the dugout. This moment added a personal touch to an emotionally charged game.
Interestingly, Yankees manager Aaron Boone chose not to disclose Cole's pitch count before the game. Boone explained that he sensed Cole was fatigued after the fourth inning and strategically decided to pull him from the game. This strategy aims to gradually increase Cole’s pitch count in future outings, allowing him to build up his strength and endurance progressively.
Boone shared his thoughts on Cole’s performance, stating, "I thought he got better as the game went along." This gradual improvement is a positive sign for the Yankees’ future, suggesting that Cole is on the right path to regaining his dominant form.
Cole himself remains optimistic about his return to form. There is a general consensus within the team that Cole has more to offer as he continues to work his way back to full strength. Yankee fans will need to stay tuned to see how quickly their star pitcher can return to his usual, dominating self.
Quotes
"This return was special and emotional," Cole admitted, capturing the sentiment of fans and teammates alike.
Reflecting on his performance, he said, "Cedric got me again on a high fastball." This acknowledgment underlines Cole’s high standards and his willingness to identify areas for improvement.
Explaining the decision to pull Cole early, Boone noted, "He could have continued pitching but was stopped strategically." This strategy is part of a broader plan to ease Cole back into his role.
Commenting on his pitch execution, Cole remarked, "I think the location was good." His focus on precise pitch location is a key part of his strategy to regain peak performance.
He added, "The consistency probably has to progress as well with the pitch count. It’s encouraging." This shows his awareness of the need for gradual improvement.
On his physical state, Cole mentioned, "I held up well," reflecting his resilience during the comeback.
He candidly admitted, "I'm tired now. It just demands a higher level of focus and execution," a testament to the high demands of returning from an absence.
Cole concluded by saying, "I definitely could keep making pitches," suggesting that he felt capable of continuing but respected the strategic decision made by the team.
"It was strategic in the pitch count," Cole reiterated, reinforcing the calculated approach taken to manage his return.
As Gerrit Cole continues his journey back to full strength, all eyes will be on how quickly he can ramp up to his best form. For the Yankees, his return is a crucial piece in their quest for a championship run.
