Player Performance and Team Context
Gerrit Cole was sidelined for the first 75 games of the season due to elbow inflammation. On Wednesday night, he made his much-anticipated 2024 debut against the Baltimore Orioles. Cole took the mound with eagerness and determination, ready to reestablish his dominance in the Yankees' rotation.
Shaky Start and Quick Recovery
Cole showed signs of rustiness in his first inning back, conceding a pair of hard-hit doubles and a run. However, he quickly found his rhythm and settled in, delivering a performance that was both strong and encouraging. His fastball reached a top speed of 97.5 mph, and his 28 fastballs averaged 95.1 mph, an expected outcome as he is still getting fully stretched out.
Pitching Repertoire
Cole relied heavily on his knuckle-curve and cutter while also integrating his slider and changeup into his pitch mix. Over four innings, he faced 16 batters, earning six whiffs and 13 called strikes. Manager Aaron Boone allowed Cole to come out for the fifth inning. After permitting a lead-off single to Cedric Mullins, Boone decided to lift Cole with the score tied at 1-1.
Relief Struggles and Team Context
Following Cole's departure, reliever Ron Marinaccio took over but struggled to maintain the tie. He allowed a two-run homer to Ramón Urías and conceded another run before finally escaping the fifth inning. Despite Marinaccio's struggles, it is worth noting that Yankees starters have thrived in Cole's absence this season. The Yankees' rotation leads all of baseball with an impressive ERA of 2.86, trailing only the Phillies and Padres in strikeouts.
Standout Performances in the Rotation
One standout in the Yankees rotation has been Luis Gil, who boasts an AL-leading ERA of 2.03. Cole's return strengthens an already formidable rotation, potentially making it even more dominant as they push further into the season.
Looking Ahead
Cole's season debut hints that he will soon deliver Cy Young-caliber performances once more. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Mets, a game both Cole and the Yankees will be eager to build on his strong return. Encouraging for both Cole and the Yankees is that his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph, and his overall outing suggests he will quickly regain his elite form.
Quotes
"Encouraging for Cole and the Yankees is that his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph," remarked a team insider. Another observer noted, "Cole's debut suggests he will soon deliver Cy Young-caliber results again." Manager Aaron Boone’s decision to let Cole come out for the fifth inning also speaks volumes about the confidence the team has in his abilities moving forward.