NEW YORK – Triple digits nearly flashed when Gerrit Cole reached back for a little extra this weekend, and now his next pitches may be thrown in the Bronx.
After Cole touched 99.6 mph in his most recent Minor League rehab start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said it is “on the table” to activate the 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner during this homestand at Yankee Stadium.
“We’re kind of talking about that here today and tomorrow,” Boone said. “We’ll make a call one way or the other, but we felt like we needed an extra arm in there today. We’re talking through everything. We’ll see what makes the most sense moving forward.”
As recently as Sunday, Boone said the plan was to have rookie Elmer Rodríguez make another turn in the rotation. But Rodríguez was optioned to Triple-A on Monday, a move that accompanied signing right-handed reliever Yovanny Cruz to a Major League contract and adding him to the active roster.
“Obviously, we’ve got Gerrit coming back, so it’s a tough situation,” Rodríguez said. “I’ll just take the positive outing, go out there and continue to be myself and hopefully be back.”
Cole's 99.6 mph heater in Saturday's Triple-A start was his fastest tracked pitch since Aug. 13, 2023 (also 99.6 mph), according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs.
He threw 86 pitches (56 strikes) over 5 1/3 innings for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Saturday in a 6-2, 10-inning loss to Syracuse. If he returns during this homestand, it would likely be Friday against the Rays.
Should the Yankees determine Cole needs one more Minor League start, his return could come during the upcoming road trip in Kansas City, based upon Cole’s previous rehab schedule.
“It’ll just be everyone that’s involved, from the training staff to Gerrit, just wanting to do the right thing – what’s the right timing?” Boone said. “Whatever we do, it’s with the long game in mind. A need doesn’t necessarily mean we’re bringing him back. If we feel he’s absolutely ready to go, we’ll make that call.”
After making two appearances during Spring Training, Cole has worked 29 Minor League innings, permitting 17 runs (15 earned) for a 4.66 ERA. He has allowed 28 hits and issued three walks while striking out 28.
“So far, so good,” Cole said on Saturday in Moosic, Pa. “It’s been a good progression. The pitch count is steadily increasing. The recovery has been good, and the velocity and command are steadily increasing as well.”
Cruz, 26, will be making his Major League debut when he appears in a game. The right-hander was 5-1 with a 3.00 ERA and one save in 15 Triple-A appearances, permitting 14 hits with nine walks and 23 strikeouts.
“We really like the upside,” Boone said. “He really caught our eye at the end of camp with some really strong outings. It’s a big arm, 100 mph, good slider. He’s had some success down there; he’s had some struggles down there.”