New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole's recent performances have raised concerns as the team faces a ticking clock to prepare for the playoffs. Cole allowed five runs and nine hits to the Mets on Saturday afternoon, a game that ended in a 12-2 rout. This outing followed a pattern of struggles, including surrendering a career-worst seven home runs over his last two starts.
In his latest start against the Mets, Cole generated only three swings and misses across 77 pitches, with none coming on his fastball. The veteran pitcher acknowledged the need for adjustments, stating, "There is credit to be dished out, but at the same time we expect better, right? So that’s what we’ll be chasing going forward is being better." Cole, known for his analytical approach to the game, faces a complex challenge that may not have a simple fix.
Having returned from Tommy John surgery, Cole is now over 115 innings into his first season back. With only two regular-season starts remaining before the playoffs, the Yankees require a significant improvement from him to bolster their postseason hopes.