New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole had an excellent start on Sunday night to guarantee the series against the Cleveland Guardians lived another day.
Now, both teams will decide who faces the Houston Astros in the Championship Series tonight in the Bronx, as long as the weather forecast allows it.
Cole was on the mound for seven innings, in which he conceded six hits and a walk.
He allowed two runs, but struck out eight foes to earn the win.
The righty used 110 pitches to navigate through the seven frames, yet he made himself available for tonight’s winner-take-all game.
Cole Made Himself Available With Zero Days Rest
He reportedly told his manager, Aaron Boone, that he could pitch on Monday if necessary.
“Aaron Boone said everyone is available to pitch tonight, including Gerrit Cole and Wandy Peralta. Cole told Boone today that he could pitch but he would obviously be hesitant to use him,” The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner tweeted.
Aaron Boone said everyone is available to pitch tonight, including Gerrit Cole and Wandy Peralta. Cole told Boone today that he could pitch but he would obviously be hesitant to use him.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) October 17, 2022
It would be a shocking development to see Cole on the mound on Game 5, and if it happens, it will likely mean the game is deep in extra innings: something similar to what happened between the Seattle Mariners and the Astros over the weekend.
Here is a shocking stat: all of Cole’s outings in professional baseball, including the minor leagues, have come as a starter.
In other words, he has no experience whatsoever as a reliever.
Since he could be in play for a start against Houston early in the series should his team make it, the likelihood of Boone actually using Cole from the bullpen is very, very low.
Crazier things have happened in baseball, though.
