Gerrit Cole is Back on the Mound
Returning from elbow inflammation, Gerrit Cole, the 2023 American League Cy Young awardee, stepped onto the Yankee Stadium grounds with a cool demeanor on Wednesday. Despite the excitement surrounding his much-anticipated return, Cole kept it business-like, not showing many signs of the nerve-racking anticipation that often accompanies a comeback. He even added a new routine to his pregame preparation by lighting a scented candle near his locker – a trend popular among Yankees starters.
Wearing the New Nike Uniform
Before entering the field, Cole was seen adjusting his jersey. The new Nike uniforms for the season have been causing discomfort among players. However, he seemed to shake off any inconvenience and continued a standard pregame routine. The Yankees’ manager, Aaron Boone, echoed this “business as usual” vibe, downplaying the hype around Cole’s debut.
Welcomed Back with Cheers
Despite Boone’s attempt to understate Cole’s return, there was an unmistakable buzz in the stadium. As the public address announcer, Paul Olden, announced Cole’s return, the crowd at Yankee Stadium made their excitement evident with a loud cheer. The applause was quickly followed by a video tribute to Cole on the jumbotron.
The First Pitch
Returning to the field after a hiatus is not without its jitters. Cole’s first pitch, a 94.2-mph cutter thrown to Gunnar Henderson, was off the mark. Subsequently, Henderson doubled with a ground ball deflected by Gleyber Torres.
Performance on the Field
Despite a shaky start, Cole regained composure, escaping the first inning with 13 pitches. He pitched for four innings, gave three hits, two earned runs, one walk, and racked up five strikeouts. Among his bold arsenal of pitches were 28 four-seamers, 13 cutters, 11 knuckle-curves, five changeups, and five sliders. His fastball averaged 95.1 mph, topping at an impressive 97.5 mph.
The Scoring Run
However, things took a turn when Cole’s substitute, Ron Marinaccio, gave away a home run to Ramón Urías which also scored an inherited player from Cole. This, along with a few other successful moves by the Orioles, gave them a substantial lead. Yet, the Yankees made a strong return with a three-run homer from Giancarlo Stanton. Despite the efforts, the Game ended 7-6 in favor of the Orioles.
Looking Forward
Even though the Yankees lost the game to the Orioles, Boone is optimistic about Cole’s return. He said: “Getting a healthy Cole back is a massive boost. He’s the reigning Cy Young and an enormous part of our team… It’s a process still getting him to where we need to get him, but I feel like he’s in a really good spot and throwing the ball really well.”
Concluding Thoughts
In the broader scheme, this match and Cole’s return carry significance beyond the defeat. With a league-leading 2.86 ERA from the Yankees’ starters preceding Wednesday’s game, the potential with Cole back is thrilling for the team and fans alike. Undeniably, his return has added a vibrant spark to the lineup, and we can anticipate a more intriguing season for the Yankees as it progresses.