Gerrit Cole Returns: A Mix of Promise and Progress
He's (Nearly) Ready for Prime Time
The Yankees have managed to exceed expectations this season, even without their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, for a significant portion of the year. Currently holding the best record in the majors, the team is on a hot streak that has fans dreaming of a World Series run. However, for those dreams to become reality, Cole’s health and performance are crucial.
Cole recently made his long-anticipated season debut, delivering a mixed bag of results that left both hope and concern in the air. He pitched four-plus innings, allowing two runs on three hits, with five strikeouts and a single walk. While the stats show promise, especially considering it was his first game back, there were some noticeable areas for improvement.
Most notably, Cole’s fastball velocity was down by 1.6 mph compared to last season, likely due to his recent absence. He threw a total of 62 pitches, 40 of which were strikes, showcasing reasonable command over his arsenal. Impressively, he induced six whiffs and 13 called strikes, indicating that his stuff is still tricky for hitters to square up.
However, the Orioles’ batters did manage to hit six pitches at velocities of at least 101.5 mph, indicating that Cole was not yet at peak form. Nonetheless, he improved as the game went on, eventually exiting to a standing ovation in the fifth inning. Though he did not factor into the decision, the emotional weight of his return was palpable.
He Wasn't Happy with How It Ended
Despite the overall positive return, Cole was visibly upset with himself over specific pitches. He was particularly critical of a high fastball to Cedric Mullins that resulted in a single. Mullins has historically performed well against Cole, and this outing was no exception.
There's 'More' to Come... but How Much More is a Mystery
A touching moment of Cole’s return was his son, visibly excited to see his father back in the dugout. Interestingly, manager Aaron Boone chose not to reveal Cole's pitch count before the game. Boone later sensed that Cole was fatigued after the fourth inning and made the strategic decision to pull him. The plan is for Cole’s pitch count to increase gradually in future outings. Boone echoed these sentiments, saying, "I thought he got better as the game went along." Such progress bodes well for the Yankees’ future, especially as Cole works his way back to full strength.
Cole himself remains optimistic about his return to form. There’s a consensus within the team that Cole has more in the tank. Yankees fans will need to stay tuned to see how quickly Cole can ramp up to his usual dominating self.
Quotes
Reflecting on his return, Cole admitted, "This return was special and emotional." Addressing the high fastball that Mullins hit for a single, he acknowledged, "Cedric got me again on a high fastball." Boone explained his decision to pull Cole, saying, "He could have continued pitching but was stopped strategically."
Cole noted, "I think the location was good." He remarked on his overall performance, saying, "The consistency probably has to progress as well with the pitch count. It's encouraging." Commenting on his physical status, he mentioned, "I held up well." However, he added, "I'm tired now. It just demands a higher level of focus and execution." Despite his fatigue, Cole remained confident, stating, "I definitely could keep making pitches." He concluded, "It was strategic in the pitch count."
Looking Ahead
Cole’s return is a significant boost for the Yankees as they aim for a deep postseason run. While his first game back was a mix of highs and lows, the potential for improvement is evident. His velocity, command, and stamina are all areas that will need to progress, but the foundation appears solid. With gradual increases in pitch count and continuous adjustments, Cole is poised to return to his dominant form.
For the Yankees, the timing couldn’t be better. As they continue their quest for a World Series title, having a healthy and effective Gerrit Cole could be the key to achieving their goals. Fans should keep their eyes peeled as Cole works his way back, ready to make an impact when it matters most.
