Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole got his All-Star badge for the sixth time in his career. He is joining Yankees captain Aaron Judge at Seattle for the 2023 All-Star meet. Gerrit Cole’s selection was announced on Sunday.
He is now part of the American League roster for the July 11 Midsummer Classic, which will take place in Seattle. Gerrit Cole was an All-Star in 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022.
Gerrit Cole may start 2023 All-Star
Gerrit Cole mentioned on Sunday, following a 5-1 loss to the Cardinals at Busch Stadium, that he would really like to start the All-Star Game. He expressed his desire to check that off his list. However, the Yankees’ ace acknowledged that he was unsure how the selection process will unfold over the next week and acknowledged that there are many other deserving players who could be considered for the starting role.
There is a possibility that Gerrit Cole could be considered to start this year’s All-Star Game for the first time. However, AL manager Dusty Baker won’t make the decision regarding the starting pitcher until next Monday.
According to Gerrit Cole, Nathan Eovaldi has been exceptional for Texas this year and should be given serious consideration. He also acknowledged the excitement of watching Shohei Ohtani and suggested that Ohtani might pitch and hit in the first or second spot. However, Gerrit Cole expressed that he must improve his own performance on the mound.
“Specifically [Nathan Eovaldi] has been lights out for Texas this year and probably deserves a hard look. We all love watching Shohei [Ohtani] play, so having him pitch and hit first or second is probably the way things might shake out. But hey, you know what? If I don’t like it, I gotta pitch a little better I guess.”
Unless there are any last-minute changes due to injuries, Gerrit Cole and Aaron Judge will be the only Yankees representing the team as All-Stars this season.
Will Judge play in the All-Star game?
Despite being voted in as a starting outfielder, Judge will not be able to play in the game due to his ongoing rehabilitation for a sprained right big toe. However, he mentioned on Sunday that he has not yet made a decision about attending the All-Star festivities.
Judge mentioned that a decision about attending the All-Star festivities would be made as they approach the event. He acknowledged that being voted in as an All-Star is an incredible honor. He expressed his wish to still be playing and not on the injured list at the time the announcement was made. However, he emphasized the importance of not taking a moment like this for granted.
Gerrit Cole’s All-Star honor
Gerrit Cole has earned his way back to a fifth straight All-Star Game — not including 2020, when no game was held because of the COVID-shortened season— finishing Sunday with a 2.79 ERA and 118 strikeouts in 108 ²/₃ innings.
After signing a substantial nine-year, $324 million contract prior to the 2020 season, he is currently experiencing his most successful season in The Bronx. Gerrit Cole shared his appreciation and humbleness, noting that being chosen as an All-Star by fellow pitchers holds special significance for him. He regarded it as an incredible honor, recognizing the players from across the league who voted for him.
Gerrit Cole acknowledged that he doesn’t deserve all the credit and expressed his excitement and eagerness to represent the Yankees and their principles. He looked forward to the upcoming All-Star Game with anticipation.
In the previous season, Gerrit Cole was among the five Yankees players selected as All-Stars. He joined Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Jose Trevino, and Clay Holmes in representing the team in Los Angeles.
If there is a need for an injury replacement, Holmes could be a strong contender for consideration. Additionally, Boone has actively advocated for Gleyber Torres to be recognized and included in the All-Star roster. Meanwhile, Boone advised both Gerrit Cole and Judge not to underestimate the significance of another opportunity to participate in the All-Star Game.
Boone mentioned that it is a remarkable and meaningful achievement, expressing his pride for both players. He also acknowledged that Gerrit Cole is currently having another exceptional season.
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