Gerrit Cole, Yankees
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The New York Yankees are playing World Series for the first time in the last 15 years. Hence, the current setup are not accustomed to the pressure and that might dampen their preparations. Indeed, the Yankee roster isn’t without its loopholes, and skipper Aaron Boone is well-versed in that.

That pitching lineup is always the darkhorse for any team and the New York Yankees are no indifferent. Despite the starter being shaky in the AL Championship Series, they will hold the edge and be the difference maker in the upcoming seven-game World Series against Los Angeles Dodgers.

   

Yankees Rotation Must Take Pressure Off The Bullpen

Yankees
Credit: Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

The New York Yankees head into the 2024 World Series with a distinct advantage in starting pitching, which could be the key to defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers. As these two historic franchises face off for the first time in October since 1981, the Yanks are banking on the strength of their rotation to push them over the top. The Dodgers, plagued by injuries to key starters like Tyler Glasnow, Clayton Kershaw, and Dustin May, are forced to rely on bullpen games for at least one start in the series. This is where the Bombers can exploit their opponent’s weakness. Their rotation, led by ace Gerrit Cole, provides the stability that the Dodgers lack. Cole, who will start in Game 1, has been dominant in the postseason and could be counted on for two critical starts.

The Yankees also have Carlos Rodon, who is expected to take the mound twice in the series. Though Rodon has had an up-and-down season, his capability to provide length in his starts will be crucial in giving the Yanks a chance to keep their bullpen fresh. Alongside Cole and Rodon, younger arms like Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt will need to step up, navigating the tough Dodgers lineup and delivering quality innings. For manager Aaron Boone, the key will be maximizing the rotation’s advantage. If Cole, Rodon, Gil, and Schmidt can provide length and quality starts, it will allow Boone to strategically deploy his deep bullpen. Ultimately, the Bombers’ ability to avoid overusing their relievers could be the difference-maker in a battle against a powerful Dodgers offense. Hence, in a World Series that will likely be determined by starting pitching, the Yankees have the edge.

Aaron Boone Explains Gerrit Cole Decision For Game 1

Yankees, Gerrit Cole
MLB.com

Manager Aaron Boone expressed his confidence in Gerrit Cole as the New York Yankees’ Game 1 starter for the 2024 World Series against LA Dodgers, saying, “One of this era’s aces. We’re blessed to be able to give him the ball to get this thing started.”

Boone’s praise reflects Cole’s stature as one of the top pitchers in baseball, and his ability to lead the Yankees’ rotation is seen as critical in setting the tone for the series against the Dodgers. Cole’s dominance throughout the postseason has made him the team’s workhorse, and the team will count on him to anchor their pitching staff.

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