With the Yankees’ rotation setting an MLB record in 2024 and Gerrit Cole nearing his return, chances for others to get a slot are limited. However, Cody Poteet took advantage of an opportunity created by Clarke Schmidt’s injury, delivering a strong performance in the Yankees’ victory over the Giants on Saturday.
Cody Poteet allowed three runs, two earned, on three hits and one walk while striking out six over five innings to earn the Yankees’ 7-3 win. Manager Aaron Boone indicated that the pitcher could see more starts in place of the injured Schmidt until Gerrit Cole is ready to rejoin the rotation.
In his 78-pitch outing, the 27-year-old right-hander recorded six strikeouts and issued just one walk, securing his second win of the season. Cody Poteet’s previous major league appearance was as the 27th man in a doubleheader before being sent back to the minors, where he dealt with a finger blister before being recalled.
Cody Poteet demonstrated sharp command on Saturday, throwing 47 of his 78 pitches for strikes. He has emerged as a viable option to replace Schmidt, who is sidelined with a lat injury, in the rotation moving forward. This impressive start bodes well for Poteet’s chances of staying in the starting role, although he is tentatively set for a challenging home start against the Dodgers next week.
The Yankees’ record-setting rotation has limited opportunities, but Cody Poteet made the most of his chance, potentially positioning himself for an extended stint in the starting lineup.
Cody Poteet gives Yankees a potential 7th option
Cody Poteet, stepping in for the injured Clarke Schmidt in the Yankees’ rotation, delivered a commendable performance in his second start of the season against the Giants. Despite a few setbacks, his outing was promising, especially given it was just his 11th career big league start.
Cody Poteet began on a strong note, retiring the Giants in order in the first inning, including a strikeout of catcher Patrick Bailey. He maintained his efficiency in the second inning, getting a groundout from Anthony Rizzo and adding two more strikeouts. Even after a lengthy nine-pitch at-bat by Matt Chapman, the pitcher remained efficient, throwing just 26 pitches through two innings.
The third inning proved challenging for Cody Poteet. After walking first baseman Trenton Brooks, he surrendered a two-run homer to Casey Schmitt, which halved the Yankees’ lead. The Yankees arm, however, quickly regained his composure, retiring the next three batters and ending the inning with a strikeout.
The Giants continued to pressure Cody Poteet in the fifth inning, aided by an errant throw from Anthony Volpe that allowed Heliot Ramos to reach second base. He was one out away from escaping the inning unscathed, but a grounder past first base scored Ramos, trimming the Yankees’ lead to 4-3.
Ian Hamilton took over in the sixth inning, concluding Cody Poteet’s second start for the Yankees. His final line: 5 innings pitched, 3 hits, 3 runs (2 earned), 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts. Reflecting on his performance, Poteet emphasized taking things one day at a time, focusing on improvement, and appreciating the opportunity to play alongside great teammates.
Cody Poteet mentioned that he wasn’t looking too far ahead, instead focusing on taking it a day at a time.
“I’m not looking too far ahead,” he said. “I’m just taking it a day at a time, trying to get better each day and enjoying being around so many great players.”
Yankees fans give Cody Poteet thumbs up
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