The New York Yankees faced a major scare early in 2024 when Gerrit Cole, their ace, received troubling news during spring training in March. An MRI revealed right elbow nerve inflammation. It was a gut punch to Yankee Universe given all the setbacks from a disastrous 2023 season.
For a while, uncertainty loomed large as the New York Yankees braced for what might follow. Regardless, a hell-bent Gerrit Cole bounced back to regain his ace-level control and command. Meanwhile, with the American League Division Series approaching, the Yanks have taken their final call on the roster, with some notable names missing out.
Yankees Gerrit Cole To Start In Game 1 Of ALDS, Anthony Rizzo Out With Injury
Reigning AL CY Young pitcher Gerrit Cole is ready to take the mound for the New York Yankees’ Game 1 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) against the Kansas City Royals. “I got a second bite at the apple, and I’m in a really good position right now,” Cole said in a pre-game interview. Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner, described his 2024 campaign as a “season of perseverance,” having pushed through three months of rehab before returning for 17 starts. And hence, heading into the playoffs, the ace pitcher feels prepared for the most important games of the year and his presence on the mound is crucial to the Bronx Bombers postseason hopes.
That being said, the New York Yankees’ preparations, however, suffered another blow with the injury of Anthony Rizzo. The first baseman, dealing with fractures in his right hand, was officially ruled out for the ALDS despite being considered a potential last-minute inclusion. Rizzo acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. “I had to be honest with myself, and it’s tough,” he said. Meanwhile, Yankee manager Aaron Boone had long categorized Rizzo as a “long shot” for the series. Rizzo’s absence leaves the Yankees in a dilemma at first base, where either Ben Rice or Oswaldo Cabrera will likely step in. Ben Rice, in particular, could be a wildcard option, as Boone has praised his development and versatility. On the flip side, for Rizzo, there is still hope of a return should his team advance by beating the Royals in the best-of-five format ALDS series.
Bobby Witt Jr Respects His Prime AL-MVP Foe, Aaron Judge
As the MLB postseason approaches, there’s a strong possibility that Aaron Judge and Bobby Witt Jr. will finish first and second, respectively, in the AL MVP voting. Witt Jr., the Kansas City Royals’ impressive five-tool shortstop, expressed admiration for Judge. “It’s awesome being able to kind of compete with him on this stage,” Witt said.
Bobby Witt Jr. also praised Aaron Judge’s approach to the game. He further appreciates Judge’s impact not only in terms of performance but also as a leader for the New York Yankees and the baseball community at large. “Just seeing the year he’s had, it’s been unbelievable both how he is on and off the field,” he added.
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