The Yankees were unable to acquire Gerrit Cole, who they had hoped for for much of the season, as he was sidelined with elbow inflammation until mid-June.
And even after his return, the results were much the same as they were a year ago, when Cole won his first Cy Young Award.
But looking at the last two games, and four of the last five, the right-hander has returned to his best form in time for the postseason.
Cole helped the Yankees clinch the AL East title with a 10-1 win over Baltimore in the Bronx, pitching 6/3 scoreless innings.
In Oakland, Cole pitched a complete game with just two hits and one walk.
“We've had our ups and downs this year, but we just tried to hang in there and give ourselves a chance to win,” Cole said. “It was fun tonight. We have a chance to win the division and it's special to be there. It's a great feeling. The stakes are high.”
Cole held the Orioles, who were looking to advance to the playoffs, without a hit until Ramon Urias grounded out to the right infield with two outs in the fifth inning.
When he was removed in the seventh inning, Cole again allowed two hits and only one walk, outscoring Baltimore ace Corbin Burnes.
These types of performances were less common earlier in the year, when Cole was battling command issues at times and lacked his typical dominant elements.
Before the game, Aaron Boone called this season “unique” for Cole. He was out of his normal in-season routine for the first few months as he had to overcome an injury early on and process what that meant. ”
He's been feeling much better since missing the start in Philadelphia in late July due to general fatigue.
With the exception of a seven-run debacle on September 14th against the Red Sox against Rafael Devers, Cole has been consistent to great.
He was given a standing ovation in the Bronx and left the field with expectations for a similar performance in the playoffs.
“That's what you want as a player. Divisions are meant to be won,” Cole said. “You’ve got to go out there and get it.”
Even when the game was out of his reach, he pitched seven innings to accomplish it.
Cole said he did it with the playoffs in mind.
“We have to be ready,” Cole said. “I expect to be able to throw 110.” [pitches] In about a week. ”
And he was impressed with his manager.
“We were hoping to get through this by dropping two tough games, but there was some pressure today,” Boone said. “His career with the Yankees was outstanding, and he had several moments of truth and answered the bell.”
Perhaps a lighter workload will prove beneficial in the postseason, as Cole seems to be hitting his stride at the perfect time.
The ace of the staff wasn't hearing it: “At this point, it's still better to go over 200 innings.”
