The New York Yankees have missed Gerrit Cole so far in the ongoing regular season. Last year, the ace pitcher was the best performer for the NY side. He had his career-best season. As a result, the Yankee’s ace went on to win his first AL Cy Young Award. However, for the whole team, 2023 was quite a forgettable one. The team did not do well, as they were nowhere in the picture to make it to the postseason. They missed the postseason for the first time since 2016. Moreover, the Yankees finished fourth in the AL East division with a horrible 82-80 record. And it was their worst season in the last 30 years. Hence, the career-best performance of Gerrit Cole might have deservingly earned him the Cy Young Award.
But it could not help the Yankees in their quest to make the postseason. Since then, the Bronx Bombers have made a lot of significant changes, hoping for redemption in 2024. Moreover, the 27-time World Series champions had a great start to the current regular season. However, they missed their ace pitcher owing to right elbow inflammation. Moreover, the Yankees put him on the 60-day Injured List during the spring training. There were rumors that he might not return to the rotation until early July. However, lately, Gerrit Cole said that a possible June return to the major league is highly likely for him.
Can Gerrit Cole Make His Yankees Return In June?
Despite the absence of Cole, the starting rotation of the NY side has been the most dominant in the league so far. They have done an excellent job of providing a cushion for their offensive lineup to get as many wins as possible. Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, and Nestor Cortes have all been quite impactful so far. Even the guys from the bullpen like Clay Holmes, had great season so far. Lately, Stroman credited Gerrit Cole for being an invaluable leader of the pitching department, even though the ace has not played a game yet this season. Cole’s in-game, pre and post-game advises to his fellow Yankees hurlers have been very influential. But the fans want to see the reigning Cy Young winner in the American League back in action as soon as possible.
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Lately, Gerrit Cole mentioned he can return to the Bronx Bomber’s lineup in June. Recently, in an interview with Bryan Hoch, the Yankees beat reporter Gerrit mentioned that he would not rule out a possible June return. On Tuesday, the ace pitcher got in the iconic pinstripe uniform to pitch during a live batting practice. Now, why did he do that? Cole replied that he had missed wearing that jersey for a long time. Moreover, the reigning AL Cy Young winner reflected on his live batting practice against Jahmai Jones and Oswaldo Cabrera. Gerrit Cole told Hoch that he had to dial the fastball back. Moreover, that’s a good sign. He was happy with his sharp sliders, curveballs, and so on. However, Cole was not happy with the changeup. He felt he pushed it a little beneath the zone.
The Ace And The Manager Aren’t Looking To Rush The Former’s Return To The Lineup
Lately, Aaron Boone has talked about Gerrit Cole’s possible June return. The Yankees manager said that is possible, but he would not want to get ahead of himself and begin with predictions. Most importantly, at present, things have been going well, and Cole’s live BP was another big step. As per the skipper, the ace pitcher will have a couple of more live batting practices.
From there, they can build on it. Even the 2023 AL Cy Young winner echoed the manager, saying, “There’s no need for me to rush back to the lineup.” Cole added that if the team had been struggling, he might have a different view or urge to return. But looking at the present situation, he does not need to rush it.
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