It turns out that while his Yankees start their current pursuit for the elusive 28th World Series triumph, is exactly where he should be: prepared to take the field in Saturday’s Division Series opener against the Royals. For Cole, though, the nerves that threatened to overshadow his spring came before the anticipation for Friday’s press conference. It was a right elbow issue.
Cole is a seasoned playoff player whose usual strategy is to dominate the first half of the six-month regular season and then receive the ball in October.
This time, the arc was very different. Cole remarked, “We were talking about the uncertainty there for a while.” It was the first experience dealing with a situation. Thus, just like everyone else, you have to figure out how to handle things for the first time. Now that I’ve had another taste of the apple, I’m in a really strong position.
Beginning on June 19, Cole’s season was essentially cut short, as he pitched 95 innings, made 17 starts, and finished 8–5 with a 3.41 ERA.
According to Cole, “it’s [been] a season of ups and downs, a season of perseverance.” “I am grateful that I overcame the injury and am in a fantastic position—as good a position as I can be right now—feeling great heading into the most crucial games of the season. I’m glad I can now make a contribution because I’m in a good place. It has taken some time.
With a 2.25 ERA in his final 10 starts of the regular season, Cole has been pitching at his best. His best performance came on September 26, the night the Yankees defeated the Orioles to capture the American League East, with 6 2/3 shutout innings (two hits allowed).
Giving Cole the ball to begin the postseason on eight days of rest is a comfortable thought for Yankees manager Aaron Boone.
Boone declared, “There’s no one else we’d want to hand the ball to.” “He has faced combat. Of course, he has pitched in many important games over his career. Our ace is him. He has endured a great deal this year and has put in a great deal of effort to get to this stage as he truly is recovering from an injury for the first time in his career.
Cole, 34, has a longer postseason history than you most likely realize. Cole also played in October with the 2013 Pirates and the 2018–19 Astros before joining the Yankees. His official sixth October run in the Pinstripes will begin on Saturday. After 17 playoff starts, Cole has a 2.93 ERA and is 10-6 overall.
As a 12-year-old, Cole remarked, “It’s just like any baseball tournament that you get excited for.” It’s like, ‘All right, let’s go attempt to win something really significant.'” Of course, it’s merely increased leverage and stakes. On any given pitch, momentum might shift. It’s really thrilling.
Matt Quatraro, manager of the Royals, stated, “I’ve seen enough of him over the years to know that he’s a unicorn in this game.” “He’s a nine-inning closer who can finish games.” He can place the ball, has plus pitches on all fronts, and can pitch to both lefties and righties. He is fiercely competitive. He truly embraced the fact that he appeared to be destined for the spotlight. He is the best rival there is.
When facing Cole with so much on the line, Royals player Bobby Witt Jr. remarked, “This is what you kind of dream of growing up.” “You wish to confront that man. You want to confront the ace.”
Cole created a clear picture for Witt to imagine the ambiance on a Saturday night in October in the Bronx.
Cole observed, “It’s a different sound.” You are enveloped with sound from your feet up. It just sounds different. It’s amazing.
Ever since Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million contract to join in New York, the Yankees have been under intense pressure to win the World Series for the first time since 2009. Eleven more victories are required. Cole intends to contribute a few to the cause.
Cole remarked, “I’ve been trying to do that for a long time.” That’d be fantastic. That would be incredible. Yes, but don’t take me there; we still have a ways to go. Saturday needs to be taken care of first.
