As the series approaches, the Royals are fully aware of the challenge they face against the powerhouse New York Yankees. But there’s one player they’re particularly hyped to go up against: Star pitcher Gerrit Cole. After a rocky start and entering late into the 2024 season due to a right elbow injury, the 34-year-old pitcher is now right where he needs to be—ready to take the mound for Saturday’s Game 1 of the Division Series against Kansas City.
As the Yankees embark on their latest quest for that elusive 28th World Series title, the Royals are more than ready to put up a fight against the Bronx Bombers. And it’s easy to see why they’re so amped about facing Cole. The veteran has a postseason resume that might surprise you – before joining the Yankees, Cole had some memorable October outings with the Pirates back in 2013 and was a key player in the 2018 and 2019 playoffs with the Astros. Every time the player steps on the mound in the postseason, it’s exceptional and the Royals know that all too well!
How do the Royals feel about Gerrit?
With over a decade in the MLB, everyone knows what Gerrit Cole brings to the table, and the Royals are no strangers to his talent. As per reports, that recognition was clear in Royals manager Matt Quatraro’s recent statement when he said, “I’ve seen plenty of him over the years to know that he’s a unicorn in this game.” But he didn’t stop there—Quatraro went on to call Cole the ultimate competitor, a player who thrives on the big stage and delivers every time.
When the team set to face you has a manager praising your skills, that really says something! It’s a sentiment the Yankees’ lineup is used to hearing, especially when it comes to Aaron Judge from rivals. And now Gerrit Cole. No wonder they’ve clinched the top spot in their division! Speaking of respect, Royals superstar Bobby Witt Jr. had some thoughts on facing Gerrit Cole with so much on the line—specifically, the title for the division.
Despite all that Bobby Witt Jr. said, it really boils down to a “dream” moment for him—something every kid who grows up playing baseball fantasizes about. Calming his excitement down to one line, despite the threat that Cole is, he said, “You want to face that guy. You want to face the ace.” Well, we get why Bobby is so excited. Cole is one great sports player, and his comeback after his stint on the injury list is just evidence of it.
Gerrit Cole’s comeback after injury
As a postseason veteran, with so much experience, Gerrit Cole has always followed a classic formula: dominate the regular season for six months before taking the mound in October. It’s a strategy that’s worked well for him, creating an aura of threat and power, as we saw in 2013 and 2019. This time around, though, the journey has been a bit different for the 34-year-old. It was full of ups and lots of downs through his injury stint on the list and being sidelined. Cole’s season actually kicked off on June 19,
This meant the pitcher was only able to get in half a season—definitely a tough blow for a talent like him who’s known for delivering every time. The uncertainty of that right elbow issue during spring training could have derailed him, but instead, it paved the way for an impressive comeback over the summer. After making 17 starts and pitching 95 innings, the baseball star finished with an 8-5 record and a 3.41 ERA. Not too shabby for a mid-season return! Coming back from an injury is no walk in the park.
But Gerrit’s gameplay sure makes it look like that, with Cole really turning it on down the stretch, posting an impressive 2.25 ERA in his final 10 starts of the regular season, including a standout performance with 6 2/3 shutout innings. But now, the big question is whether this veteran can maintain his fitness and bring that power and threat into the playoffs.
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Debate
Is Gerrit Cole the Yankees' secret weapon, or will the Royals expose his vulnerabilities this postseason?