New York Yankees star pitcher Gerrit Cole is set to return from the injured list and start Wednesday’s game against the Orioles.
Cole, who has been sidelined with elbow nerve inflammation since spring training, struck out 10 batters and allowed one unearned run in 4 1/3 innings during his third minor-league rehab start last Friday. He threw 70 pitches in that game, gradually increasing from his previous outings where he threw 45 and 57 pitches. On Wednesday, he’ll likely be on a pitch count of around 85.
“I guess it’s part of (the decision) just because he’s not entirely built up obviously. But whatever way we go, I feel like we’re in a good position to handle that,” Boone said this past weekend (via the New York Post). “… There’s a lot of good and smart people involved. I think we’ve all done a really nice job so far in his buildup and getting him ready. So we’ll have those conversations honestly and openly and Gerrit right involved in that.”
Yankees’ Strong Performance Without Cole:
Even without Cole, the Yankees have been dominating. They went into Monday’s off day with an impressive record of 50-24, leading the major leagues. Their pitching staff has been stellar too, allowing only 3.38 runs per game—better than any other team by 0.14 runs per game! But having Cole back will surely make them even stronger.
The team did face some challenges though; Clarke Schmidt suffered a lat strain last month and is expected to miss at least two months after posting a solid ERA of 2.52 over 11 starts. Cody Poteet was called up to fill Schmidt’s spot and has performed well with a 2.14 ERA in four starts but will likely step down for Cole’s return.
Fans might think bringing back Cole now could give the Yankees an unstoppable edge.
Cole’s stats are nothing short of amazing: he led the American League last year in innings pitched (209), ERA (2.63), WHIP (0.98), and WAR (7.4). He won the Cy Young Award unanimously! This season marks Year 5 of his nine-year contract worth $324 million.
Upcoming Series Against Orioles:
The Yankees are set to face off against another top team—the Baltimore Orioles—in an important three-game series starting Wednesday at Yankee Stadium.
What do you think about Gerrit Cole coming back? Will it make a big difference for the Yankees?
