The New York Yankees are in a challenging spot in the World Series, trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-0 as they prepare for Game 3. Despite the pressure mounting, it seems unlikely that Yankees ace Gerrit Cole will take the mound on short rest for Game 4.
Yankees unlikely to alter rotation for game 4
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Yankees hasn’t even considered the option of pitching Gerrit Cole on three days’ rest.
Martino noted that while there’s no definitive ruling against a potential Gerrit Cole start in Game 4, the Yankees’ management has not actively discussed the idea. The Yankees’ return to Yankee Stadium offers a critical moment in their series journey, but the team will have to rely on their current rotation strategy to stave off a series defeat.
Gerrit Cole demonstrated his effectiveness in Game 1, holding the Dodgers to a single run and striking out four over six innings. He threw a manageable 88 pitches, positioning the Yankees for a possible victory. However, New York ultimately squandered two late leads, with Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam sealing a dramatic 6-3 Dodgers win in the 10th inning.
The Game 2 loss proved similarly frustrating for the Yankees, who trailed 4-2 in the ninth but loaded the bases with one out. Anthony Volpe and Jose Trevino failed to convert that opportunity, and the Dodgers maintained their lead, putting the Yankees in a tough spot as they face a must-win Game 3.
As it stands, Clarke Schmidt is scheduled to start Game 3, with Lucas Gil expected for Game 4. Cole’s history shows only one previous instance of starting on short rest, dating back to the 2020 AL Division Series, where he allowed just one run over 5.1 innings against the Tampa Bay Rays while striking out nine.
Throughout the 2024 postseason, Gerrit Cole has showcased his AL Cy Young Award-winning form, maintaining a 2.82 ERA with 16 strikeouts across 22.1 innings. His command on the mound has been a linchpin in the Yankees’ playoff run, raising speculation that he might be called upon if the team faces a 3-0 series deficit. Nonetheless, the Yankees appear focused on their established rotation, with no concrete plans for a Cole start in Game 4—at least for now.
Whether the Yankees can claw their way back in the series without Gerrit Cole on short rest remains to be seen, but the possibility of his appearance in Game 4 looms as an intriguing prospect should circumstances intensify.
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