Gerrit Cole, the reigning American League Cy Young award winner, has struggled to find his rhythm during the 2024 season.
After being sidelined for almost three months due to elbow inflammation, the Yankees opted for a rest period rather than season-ending surgery, a decision that seems to have paid off. Cole finally returned to the mound on June 19, delivering a decent performance against the Baltimore Orioles, where he allowed two earned runs over four innings and struck out five. However, consistency has been elusive since then.
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In his seven starts this season, Cole has shown both brilliance and vulnerability. He has had three outings with just one earned run, but has also seen two starts end with six earned runs, both losses to the New York Mets. A recent game against the Boston Red Sox also saw him give up four earned runs. Overall, Cole has posted a 5.40 ERA through 35 innings this year. Complicating matters, he was recently scratched from a scheduled start due to body fatigue.
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Ahead of the Yankees’ series opener against the Toronto Blue Jays, manager Aaron Boone provided a hopeful update. He announced that Cole had a successful bullpen session on Friday and should be ready to start Sunday.
Cole confirmed to The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner that all went well, and he was indeed set to pitch on Sunday.
After being scratched earlier, Cole described feeling “very fatigued” and mentioned he was “grinding a little bit.” Boone, too, noted Cole had been battling a stomach virus, which contributed to his fatigue. “He hasn’t recovered great and has been a little worn down,” Boone explained, adding that the decision to push back his start was strategic.
Cole elaborated on this decision, saying, “It’s just about putting a little more gas in the tank and being in a good position to take the ball next time.”
For the Yankees, having Cole ready for Sunday’s matchup is crucial, especially since they did not acquire any new starting pitchers at the trade deadline. They’ll be counting on him to regain his elite form in the latter half of the season.
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