The New York Yankees announced that Gerrit Cole will be their Game 2 starter in the upcoming American League Championship Series (ALCS). Manager Aaron Boone revealed this decision on Saturday, leaving the Game 1 starter still to be determined. Gerrit Cole’s presence in Game 2 will be a crucial factor as the Yankees aim to advance to their first World Series since 2009.
Gerrit Cole’s postseason dominance
Gerrit Cole, who led the Yankees to a 3-1 AL Division Series (ALDS) victory over the Kansas City Royals, will look to continue his stellar postseason run. In Game 1 of the ALDS, Gerrit Cole allowed four runs on seven hits over five innings, but the Yankees managed a 6-5 win. He returned for Game 4 with the Yankees needing just one more win to clinch the series, delivering seven innings of one-run ball and ensuring the Yankees’ place in the ALCS.
Since joining the Yankees in 2020, Gerrit Cole has consistently been their top postseason performer. He holds a career 11-6 record with a 2.94 ERA over 19 playoff starts, including a 5-2 record and 3.38 ERA in nine appearances for New York. This postseason reliability makes Gerrit Cole a key asset for the Yankees as they face the Cleveland Guardians or Detroit Tigers, the winner of which will be determined on Saturday in ALDS Game 5.
Gerrit Cole’s success against Cleveland in the postseason gives the Yankees a potential edge if they match up against the Guardians. He has faced them four times in October, pitching at least seven innings in every start and allowing two or fewer runs in each outing. If the Tigers win, however, it will be Gerrit Cole’s first postseason appearance against them.
ALCS Schedule and Format
The ALCS begins on Monday, October 14, at Yankee Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 7:38 p.m. ET, and the game will air on TBS, TruTV, and Max. Game 2, featuring Gerrit Cole on the mound, will be played on Tuesday, October 15, also at Yankee Stadium with the same start time. The series follows a 2-3-2 format, meaning Games 3, 4, and 5 (if necessary) will be held at the opposing team’s ballpark before potentially returning to Yankee Stadium for Games 6 and 7.
With the Yankees securing the AL East division title, they have home-field advantage in this series. Should it go to seven games, the final two will be held in the Bronx, where the Yankees have been strong all season.
Gerrit Cole’s ability to perform under pressure will be crucial as the Yankees look to advance to the World Series. In a best-of-seven format, a Game 2 win could swing the momentum in the Yankees’ favor, especially with the series shifting to the opposing team’s ballpark for Games 3, 4, and possibly 5. Gerrit Cole’s postseason track record and leadership make him the ideal choice for this pivotal game.
Yankees’ pitching staff decisions
Boone also hinted at expanding the Yankees’ pitching staff for the ALCS. While they carried an 11-man staff through the ALDS, the Yankees are expected to add another arm to accommodate the increased workload in the 2-3-2 format. This setup includes more consecutive games than the ALDS, making depth essential.
Potential candidates for the expanded pitching staff include Cody Poteet, who recently became eligible after being optioned to Triple-A in late September. Known for his ability to pitch multiple innings, Poteet could be a valuable addition, especially with his sweeper pitch, which has been highly effective against right-handed hitters. Clayton Beeter is another option for the bullpen. Despite his limited major league experience, Beeter’s swing-and-miss stuff could be useful in multi-inning appearances.
Other pitchers in consideration include Mark Leiter Jr. and Marcus Stroman. Leiter struggled after being acquired from the Chicago Cubs, posting a 4.98 ERA with the Yankees. However, his late-season improvements in the sinker have given the team some hope that he can contribute in a low-leverage role. Stroman, who had a rough year with a 4.31 ERA, could serve as a mop-up arm if needed. His sinker velocity has dipped, and his groundball rate has suffered, but the Yankees might still find value in his ability to eat innings.
With the ALCS starting on Monday and Gerrit Cole scheduled for Tuesday, the Yankees will aim to strike first in Game 1, giving them a chance to build on their momentum with Gerrit Cole on the mound for Game 2. Fans will eagerly await the series’ outcome, as the Bronx Bombers look to return to the World Series for the first time in over a decade.
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