As the All-Star break approaches, players and fans eagerly anticipate the annual showcase of the game’s top talents. This year, the midsummer classic game is scheduled for July 11 in Seattle. Moreover, the squads for American League and National League are booked, with New York Yankees earning only two spots. Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole were selected to represent the Yanks at the center stage this year.
However, an unfortunate toe injury to Captain Aaron Judge will limit the Yankees’ participation to just one. As Judge recently announced his withdrawal from the event, ace pitcher Cole will alone board the flight to Seattle this year. However, it still remains unclear as to what capacity will Yankees pitcher play in the All-Star game. Will he finally get to start or settle as a bullpen reliever?
Gerrit Cole Optimistic Of Living His “Dream” At This Year’s All-Star
This season, New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole earned his sixth All-Star honor. After Saturday’s outing, the ace recorded a 2.85 ERA with 123 strikeouts while maintaining a 9-2 win-loss record. His accolades and impact on the mound led to his sixth career All-Star appearance. However, surprisingly, Cole never got to play as an American League starter in his last five appearances. He says that each time his competition was with a Hall of Famer. Though it was a learning experience, the ace pitcher’s dream to be an All-Star starter is, to date, unfulfilled.
However, this year, his fortunes could turn. Gerrit Cole is a strong candidate for the starter’s role this season. His only competition is Astros’ Framber Valdez and the Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi. Both have strong numbers to back their candidature. Regardless, the Yankees pitcher is confident and optimistic. After Saturday’s 6-3 win over the Cubs, Cole said he had given his best. Moreover, this will be the first his kids are going to accompany him to the event. Hence, to start in front of them would be a dream come true moment for the ace. Well, the decision will be made on Monday. The decision-making team is taking its own sweet time to choose the right person for the role as American League’s pride is at stake.
Cole Will Be The Key To Yankees Success In The Second Half
The New York Yankees entered the All-Star break as a fourth-placed team of the American League East Division, seemingly out of playoff contention. Naturally, the second half of the season will be highly crucial if the team wants to keep the World Series dream alive. To ensure success in the second half, the team needs Gerrit Cole to perform at his absolute best. Cole is the only pitcher to have a high success rate this season.
The Yankees have gone 8-0 in games, Gerrit Cole has started following a loss. Overall, Yank’s record in Cole’s starts is 14-5 with an excellent .737 percent winning percentage. The 14 wins record is tied for second-most among any pitcher in MLB this season. Understandably, the Bronx Bombers will bank on their ace to maintain consistency, as health has never been a problem for him.