Player Performance and Team Context
Gerrit Cole was sidelined for the first 75 games of the season due to elbow inflammation. He made his 2024 debut on Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles, 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 both strong and encouraging. Cole's fastball reached a top speed of 97.5 mph, with his 28 fastballs averaging 95.1 mph, which is not alarming given that 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. Facing 16 batters over four innings, Cole earned 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
Reliever Ron Marinaccio took over and struggled, allowing a two-run homer to Ramón Urías and another run before escaping the fifth inning. Despite Marinaccio's difficulties, Yankees starters have thrived in Cole's absence this season. The Yankees lead all of baseball with a rotation ERA of 2.86, and only the Phillies and Padres rotations have more strikeouts. One standout in the Yankees rotation is Luis Gil, who boasts an AL-leading ERA of 2.03. Cole's return 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."