Cole tests positive for COVID, will miss start

August 3rd, 2021

Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole was scheduled to pitch against the Orioles on Tuesday, but he was scratched after testing positive for COVID-19. According to manager Aaron Boone, no one else on the team has been affected, and he said it has yet to be determined if the club will ramp up testing.

Boone said he found out about Cole’s illness during the second inning of the Yankees’ 7-1 loss to the Orioles on Monday night. Luis Gil, the Yankees' 6th-ranked prospect per MLB Pipeline, will make his big league debut in Cole's place.

“Whoever is going to open the game tomorrow, whether we call somebody up, we have to find a way to turn the page and keep fighting,” catcher Gary Sánchez said through interpreter Marlon Abreu. “We understand the task that we have … just keep moving forward, keep fighting and do the best we can out there.”