The New York Yankees are eagerly anticipating the return of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole this Wednesday night as they face off against the Baltimore Orioles. Cole’s comeback is highly anticipated following his impressive rehabilitation stint in the minor leagues, where he showcased his readiness to rejoin the major league roster.
Cole’s Rehab Performance and Yankees’ Rotation Excellence
During his time in rehab, Cole pitched 12.1 innings across three appearances between Double-A and Triple-A, achieving a stellar 1.13 ERA and striking out 19 batters. His return could not be more timely, especially with Cody Poteet recently landing on the injured list due to a triceps issue. Although Clarke Schmidt is still out with a lat strain, the Yankees’ rotation has maintained excellent form in Cole’s absence, boasting the best ERA in the league at 2.86, ranking third in strikeouts with 404 and third in innings pitched with 425.
Luis Gil, in particular, has been outstanding, contributing significantly with a 2.03 ERA over 80 innings this season. His performances have helped keep the team competitive and in strong standing within the league.
As Cole gears up for his first major league game of the season, expectations are set for him to pitch about five or six innings. This cautious approach will help gauge his endurance and effectiveness without pushing him too hard on his first outing back. In one of his rehab games with Triple-A Scranton, Cole threw 4.1 innings and struck out ten batters, indicating that his form is close to optimal.
The Yankees have planned for Cole to throw around 75 pitches in his return game against the Orioles, who are known for their potent offense. This strategic pitch count will help manage his workload while testing his readiness to handle competitive action.
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As the Yankees integrate Cole back into their starting rotation, his performance on Wednesday will be critical not only for his own confidence but also for the team’s strategy moving forward. The Yankees are hopeful that Cole’s return will reinforce their pitching staff and maintain their momentum as they continue their pursuit for a championship season.