Yankees Announce Gerrit Cole's First Start of 2024

So far, it has been a great first half of the season for the New York Yankees, who sit atop of the American League East division with a 50-24 record. Even better, the team is finally getting back their ace Gerrit Cole.

The reigning CY-young winner is expected to get his first start on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles. Aaron Boone announced the decision this past Monday.

It is unclear how the Yankees plan to use Cole for his first start of the season. He may have to pitch on a certain limit, but who knows.

Cole recently just finished ramping up his rehab starts with both Double-A Somerset and Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In those starts, he never to seemed to have any interruptions that would delay his built up. In his last start, Cole pitched through 4 1/3 innings against the Triple-A Rochester Red Wings, striking out 10 and walking none.

The return date of Cole is even perfect timing. New York is going to have to deal with the red-hot Orioles, who have won eight of their last ten games. Baltimore now just sits 1/2 a game in the standings behind New York.

If there's a time to take advantage of the Orioles, it's now. The Yankees are coming off a series loss against their long-time rivals Boston Red Sox. Taking control of this upcoming series will be huge for the team.

There's still other questions to be determine with the return of Cole. Will New York go to six-man rotation? Or will they send someone to the bullpen? It will be interesting to see what decision the team makes as they begin their next series against their division rivals.

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