The New York Yankees have had a solid start to the 2024 MLB season. New York sits atop the AL East with a 38-19 record. Moreover, the Yankees' momentum has grown with a positive injury update on star pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Cole is battling back from an elbow ailment and provided reporters an optimistic update on his rehab process Thursday. Cole tossed at New York's Tampa facility and said he felt good after 43 pitches, per Jon Brophy. The veteran right-hander is planning to recover and get back on the mound in hopes of further progressing his rehab.
The Yankees placed Cole on the 60-day injured list in late March after he suffered inflammation in his right elbow. Thankfully, his ailment did not require Tommy John surgery. Instead, Cole's medical team recommended he rest, rehab, and do nonsurgical treatments.
Since then, the star pitcher has made promising progress. Hopefully, everything continues to go smoothly as he prepares for his return.
Cole originally signed with the Yankees in 2020. He had a respectable year, but 2021 was when he solidified himself as a foundational piece of New York's defense. Cole amassed a W-L of 16-8 and threw 243 strikeouts. He continued his stout production into 2023.
The 33-year-old comes off an incredible season where he went 15-4, threw 222 strikeouts, held an ERA of 2.63, and boasted a league-leading WHIP of .98. As a result, he was recognized as the American League's top pitcher and won the 2023 Cy Young Award.
Gerrit Cole's injury absence hurts the Yankees, but the club has done a phenomenal job managing without him so far.
Yankees look to keep pressing the gas going into June
New York finished the 2023 season with an 82-80 record, which caused them to miss the MLB Playoffs for the first time since in six years. Thus, the team entered 2024 with a hunger to improve, and so far, they have not disappointed.
At 38-19, the Yankees are already on pace to blow their previous record out of the water. New York is boasting a reputable offensive and defensive presence that has allowed them newfound success. The Yankees' offense is spearheaded by former San Diego Padres right fielder Juan Soto and veteran center fielder Aaron Judge.
Through 57 games, Soto bats a .312 average, has hit 15 home runs, been responsible for 46 RBI, and boasts an OPS of .990, all of which are ranked seventh or higher in the league. Meanwhile, Judge bats .275 and has amassed 39 RBI. In addition, his 1.020 OPS and 17 home runs rank him first and third in the league, respectively. If the two stars continue their stout production, New York will continue to be in good hands.
On the defensive side, Luis Gill is doing an admirable job leading New York's pitchers. The 25-year-old right-hander holds a 7-1 record and has thrown 79 strikeouts with a 1.99 ERA and 0.95 WHIP. Gill is having an impressive run during his third year with the Yankees. He and New York's bullpen can certainly hold things down while Gerrit Cole recovers from his injury.
Things look bright for the Yankees as they approach the month of June. Can they keep their foot on the gas and stay atop the AL East?
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