Player Performance and Team Context
Gerrit Cole was sidelined for the first 75 games of the season due to elbow inflammation. However, he made his much-anticipated 2024 debut on Wednesday night against the Baltimore Orioles. Despite the prolonged absence, Cole took the mound with eagerness and determination.
Shaky Start and Quick Recovery
In his first inning back, Cole showed some rustiness, allowing a pair of hard-hit doubles and a run. Nonetheless, he quickly found his rhythm and settled in, delivering a strong and encouraging performance. Cole's fastball reached a top speed of 97.5 mph, and his 28 fastballs averaged 95.1 mph—a reassuring sign given he is still getting fully stretched out.
Pitching Repertoire
Cole relied predominantly on his knuckle-curve and cutter, while also integrating his slider and changeup into his pitch mix. Facing 16 batters over his four innings, Cole managed to earn 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 from Cole and struggled, allowing a two-run homer to Ramón Urías and giving up another run before escaping the fifth inning. Despite Marinaccio’s struggles, the Yankees' starters have thrived in Cole's absence this season. Yankees' starters lead all of baseball with a rotation ERA of 2.86, and only the Phillies and Padres rotations have more strikeouts. Luis Gil has been a standout in the rotation, boasting an AL-leading ERA of 2.03. Cole's return undoubtedly 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. Encouragingly, his fastball topped out at 97.5 mph during the debut, pointing towards an imminent return to peak form.
"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."