Earlier this week, Yankees ace Gerrit Cole withdrew from a start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to full-body tiredness. Cole had been dealing with a stomach ailment and was struggling to recuperate from his previous appearance against the New York Mets on June 24.
Cole threw 100 pitches that day, but he was still recovering from a nerve damage to his throwing elbow that had knocked him behind at the start of the season.
The Yankees Need the Best from Gerrit Cole
Cole has made seven starts this season, and at 33, he wants to increase his workload as the postseason approaches in two months. The Yankees did not anticipate the veteran to have such a slow start after earning the AL Cy Young Award in 2023, when he pitched 209 innings. His current 5.40 ERA is the highest in his career, but with only a few starts, he still has plenty of chance to improve.
Fortunately, Cole was able to complete a full bullpen session on Friday, paving the way for his next planned start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
Adjustments and Expectations
Cole’s fastball velocity has reduced by 0.8 mph, but he is generally on the right track. He has dropped his fastball usage to 45.4% from 53% last year, a significant change. Instead, he is using his cutter more regularly, throwing it 22.3% of the time versus only 7% last year. However, opposition batters are hitting.367 against it.
Cole’s performance could improve over the following eight weeks, with consistent starts and effective outings. The Yankees need him to return to his Cy Young-caliber form for the playoffs, especially as the team competes for first place in the American League East and has World Series aspirations.
