Player Performance and Team Context
Gerrit Cole was sidelined for the first 75 games of the season due to elbow inflammation. On Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, Cole made his much-anticipated 2024 debut, taking the mound with eagerness and determination.
Shaky Start and Quick Recovery
Cole showed signs of rustiness in his first inning back, allowing a pair of hard-hit doubles and a run. However, he quickly found his rhythm and settled in, delivering a performance that was strong and encouraging. Cole's fastball reached a top speed of 97.5 mph, with his 28 fastballs averaging 95.1 mph. This is not alarming given that he is still getting fully stretched out.
Pitching Repertoire
In his return, Cole relied heavily on his knuckle-curve and cutter, while also integrating his slider and changeup into his pitch mix. He faced 16 batters over four innings, earning six whiffs and 13 called strikes. Manager Aaron Boone allowed Cole to come out for the fifth inning, but after permitting a lead-off single to Cedric Mullins, Cole was lifted with the score tied at 1-1.
Relief Struggles and Team Context
The game took a turn when reliever Ron Marinaccio took over for Cole. Marinaccio allowed a two-run homer to Ramón Urías and gave up another run before escaping the fifth inning. Despite the relief struggles, Yankees starters have thrived in Cole's absence this season. The Yankees' rotation leads all of baseball with a rotation ERA of 2.86, trailing only the Phillies and Padres in strikeouts. One standout in the Yankees' rotation is Luis Gil, who boasts an AL-leading ERA of 2.03. Cole's return only strengthens an already formidable rotation.
Looking Ahead
Cole's season debut suggests he will soon deliver Cy Young-caliber performances. His next start is scheduled for Tuesday against the Mets, and both Cole and the Yankees will look to build on his strong return.
Quotes
"Encouraging for Cole and the Yankees is that his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph."
"Cole's debut suggests he will soon deliver Cy Young-caliber results again."
"Manager Aaron Boone allowed Cole to come out for the fifth inning."