Cole Shines in Training: 3 K’s and Yankee Optimism against Cubs

Seasoned right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole, after his second and final preseason outing, expressed optimism as he prepares for his delayed debut with the New York Yankees. Cole, who did not participate last season due to Tommy John surgery, pitched 1 1/3 innings in the spring training closing game against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Arizona. During his performance, he made 26 pitches, striking out three batters and allowing only one run, the result of a home run by Alex Bregman.

Good release, better swing, and that’s how things go sometimes with good players. I had good forms and good points, so overall, a pretty good day.

Gerrit Cole

The pitcher, whose last official appearance was in Game 5 of the 2024 World Series, will return to Tampa, Florida, to continue his preparation and is expected to make his season debut in late May or early June. The New York team starts the season facing the San Francisco Giants this Wednesday. On Tuesday, Cole’s fastball velocity averaged 96.3 mph, with a maximum of 98 mph. He used his entire range of pitches, including his knuckle curve, slider, sinker, changeup, and cutter. Of his 26 pitches, 17 were strikes.

I had fun out there again. I think there’s perhaps a greater appreciation for the game: the level of talent, the level of intensity, and the demands of the game. It demands your concentration, it demands your preparation, and I enjoy it.

Gerrit Cole

Cole has a nine-year, $324 million contract that extends through 2028. Throughout his career, he has a 153-80 record and a 3.18 ERA in 317 starts with Pittsburgh (2013-17), Houston (2018-19), and the Yankees (starting in 2020). In other team news, the Yankees have decided that Luis Gil will start with Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, after opting for a four-pitcher rotation to begin the season.

Instead of keeping him on the team and having him come out of the bullpen, manager Aaron Boone said on Sunday that Gil would likely go to the minors, where he can follow the routine of a starting pitcher.

I think he was a little upset about that, but I feel like he’s in a good mental state right now… We hope he’s in the rotation, but at the same time, there are a lot of people competing right now who are pushing themselves to get into the conversation.

Aaron BooneThe Yankees, who have four days off in the first 13 days of their schedule, will stick with Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, and Ryan Weathers during that period.