NEW YORK -- In a highly anticipated return, New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole made his season debut in a divisional showdown against the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday night. The outing was a blend of sharp execution, occasional rust, and strategic brevity.
Earlier this season, Cole was sidelined due to nerve irritation and edema in his right elbow. Given these circumstances, his first game back was carefully managed. Cole's return featured a modest four-plus inning stint in which he allowed two runs on three hits. Despite being away from the mound for an extended period, the 34-year-old right-hander managed to display glimpses of his usual dominance, striking out five while issuing just one walk over 62 pitches.
A Monitored Return
Yankees manager Aaron Boone refrained from disclosing specific pitch limits ahead of the game to maintain a competitive edge against the Orioles. Nevertheless, it was evident that Cole would not have his usual pitch count. His final rehab start before Wednesday's game had also been limited, with only 68 pitches over 4⅓ innings. Boone emphasized post-game that the focus is on building Cole's pitch count conservatively.
"We'll build him conservatively here to get him built up," Boone said. "And, frankly, with all our guys, we'll kind of see where they're at and what we feel like makes the most sense." He added, "I don't necessarily think it'll be extra moving forward. It'll just be about conservatively getting [the pitches] up. But, then again, listening to each start, too, to see where he is."
A Rocky Start
Cole's night began with some early trouble. In the first inning, Orioles' leadoff hitter Gunnar Henderson slapped a one-hopper that glanced off second baseman Gleyber Torres' glove, resulting in a double. Two batters later, Ryan O'Hearn hit a two-out, RBI ground-rule double off a slider on an 0-2 count, giving Baltimore an early lead.
Despite the rocky start, Cole showed resilience and quickly found his rhythm. He needed just seven pitches to retire the side in the second inning. After issuing a one-out walk to Henderson in the third, Henderson stole second base, but Cole responded by recording his first three strikeouts of the season in that inning.
Finding His Groove
The fourth inning saw Cole retire the side in order, using 16 pitches and adding two more strikeouts to his tally. Returning for the fifth inning, he gave up a first-pitch single to Cedric Mullins, which prompted Boone to summon reliever Ron Marinaccio. Marinaccio subsequently surrendered a two-run home run to Ramon Urias, thus accounting for the second run charged to Cole's record.
While Cole's performance was not without its flaws, the game offered significant signs of encouragement. His fastball, which reached up to 97 mph, yielded six swing-and-misses, indicating that his arm strength remains intact. Despite some early innings jitters, his control and ability to locate pitches improved as the game progressed, showcasing his veteran experience and ability to adapt.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees will proceed cautiously with Cole, aiming to gradually increase his workload while closely monitoring his physical condition. This conservative approach underscores the organization's commitment to preserving Cole's long-term health and effectiveness. As the season advances, Cole's resilience and ability to adapt will be crucial as the Yankees strive to maintain their competitive edge.
In his debut, Cole demonstrated the form that has made him a Cy Young Award winner, even as he works through lingering rust from his time off the mound. His performance against the Orioles serves as a promising indication of what lies ahead.
The Yankees' decision to reintegrate their star pitcher slowly is a strategic move. As Boone aptly put it, "And, frankly, with all our guys, we'll kind of see where they're at and what we feel like makes the most sense." This measured approach ensures that the team can manage Cole's return without compromising his effectiveness or risking further injury.
For now, Yankees fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing their ace is back on the mound. His presence alone fortifies the team, and as Cole continues to shake off the rust and regain his peak form, the Yankees' rotation will only grow stronger. All eyes will be on Cole as he builds on this promising start, serving as a linchpin for the Yankees' ambitions this season.