Jun 4, 2024; Bridgewater, NJ, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole reacts after a strikeout during the third inning of a MLB rehab assignment with the Somerset Patriots against the Hartford Yard Goats at TD Bank Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-USA TODAY Sports
Baseball: Hartford Yard Goats vs Somerset Patriots
(Bridgewater, NJ) – Gerrit Cole showed flashes of his former self last night as the reigning Cy Young winner returned to action with the Yankees’ AA affiliate and looked brilliant.
His final line: 3.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 5 Ks on 45 pitches – 34 of which were strikes.
Cole said his performance was encouraging, as “It felt really great to get back out there and get back in the flow of things.” When asked about his return to the Bronx, Cole replied “I’m not sure how many more [rehab starts] we need, but definitely closer rather than farther away. It should be right around the corner here.”
He added that he felt he had more to give, but was sticking to the plan on limited pitches and batters faced. Cole left it at a simple “No” when asked if there was anything he didn’t like about his performance.
While fans are patiently awaiting their Ace’s return, they have been distracted by some great performances from his supporting cast.
Most recently, Luis Gil pitched a gem to open the series against Minnesota. The American League’s rookie and pitcher of the month extended his Yankee record with his 7th consecutive start with 6+ innings pitched and 1 or fewer runs allowed. Gil’s 1.82 ERA is tops in the AL.
Newly injured Clarke Schmidt has created some urgency for Cole’s return. Cody Poteet will try and hold down the fort until the best pitcher in baseball is healthy again.
The Yankees currently sit at 43-19, tied with the Phillies for the most wins, but in the eyes (and hopes) of many fans, the best is yet to come.
