Yankees
Gerrit Cole addresses reporters at the All-Star Game’s media availability. MLB Photos via Getty Images

The 2023 MLB season headed into the All-Star break this weekend. The mid-summer classic will go ahead as per schedule on Tuesday in Seattle. Moreover, squads for American League and National League were locked in as fans thronged the voting lines. However, the Yankees might witness an underwhelming show due to a lack of representation.

This year, Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole remained the only Yankees selected for the All-Star event. As Judge pulled out from the game due to injury issues, Gerrit Cole alone headed to Seattle for the event. Just as the event festivities kick-off, the Yankees have received the exciting news. It might cheer up the fans and give them a reason to look forward to the classic midsummer event.

   

American League Selects Yankees Ace Gerrit Cole As All-Star Starter!

Gerrit Cole
Credit: AP

New York Yankees ace pitcher, Gerrit Cole, has been the only silver lining of the team during the ongoing struggling phase. With a 9-2 record and a 2.85 ERA, Cole has been a dominant force on the mound for his team. As a result, he was selected to participate in the All-Star game for the record sixth time in his career. However, in the past five appearances, Cole had never received the honor of featuring as a starter which has been his lifelong dream. Well, American League has finally made all of Cole’s wishes come true as they announced a major decision on Monday.

Dusty Baker, manager of the American League All-Star team, confirmed that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will be the AL team’s starting pitcher for Tuesday’s All-Star game. He will be pitted against Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen. He has also had a great year with an 11-3 record and a 3.04 ERA. But eyeing Cole’s stature and experience, AL will start as favorites. Becoming an All-Star Game starter remains a prestigious honor reserved for the best of the best in MLB. It recognizes not only Cole’s individual achievements but also his importance to the Yankees and his impact on the game as a whole. As the AL’s starting pitcher, Cole will have the opportunity to showcase his talent on center stage.

Cole Reacts On Receiving All-Star Honor

Yankees
NBC Los Angeles

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole marked his presence in Seattle, where he received the honor of becoming AL’s All-Star starting pitcher. He said that starting in an All-Star game has always been his dream. It’s something he always wanted to do and had on his mind. After so many years, he finally feels that he is now physically capable of pulling it off. AL manager Dusty Baker also added how Cole expressed his desire to pitch in the event.

Meanwhile, American League’s starting roster remains locked. Texas second baseman Marcus Semien will lead off, followed by Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani, Tampa Bay left fielder Randy Arozarena, Texas shortstop Corey Seager, Rays first baseman Yandy Díaz, Rangers right fielder Adolis García, Baltimore center fielder Austin Hays, Texas third baseman Josh Jung and Rangers catcher Jonah Heim.