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In his final regular-season appearance, Gerrit Cole took the mound at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday and delivered a solid performance, helping the New York Yankees defeat the Tampa Bay Rays 9-2. The Rays had already secured the AL East title, but Cole treated the outing as a crucial postseason primer.
"I feel ready to go," Cole said after pitching into the sixth inning. He allowed two runs over 5.2 frames, struck out eight, and threw a season-high 105 pitches in his 22nd start of the year.
Following the game, manager Aaron Boone announced that Cole will start one of the first two games of the AL Wild Card Series, which will likely be played against the Boston Red Sox at Yankee Stadium. Boone also confirmed that Cam Schlittler is guaranteed a start in the best-of-three series, though he did not specify the order.
However, with Schlittler scheduled to start Thursday's series finale against the Rays, it appears Cole will take Game 1 and Schlittler Game 2. That would set up a potential elimination game or a series-clinching opportunity for the Yankees. Veteran left-hander Max Fried would then be the probable starter for a decisive Game 3, if necessary.
Boone remained tight-lipped about his Wild Card Series rotation, but he did note that whoever starts Games 1 or 2 of the Wild Card Series will not affect the order for the best-of-five Division Series, should the Yankees advance. According to the AL playoff schedule, the Game 1 or 2 starter could still pitch Games 2 and 5 of the ALDS on at least regular rest.
The Yankees might prefer to line up Schlittler for those ALDS games, both of which would be at Tropicana Field if a Game 5 is needed. Schlittler has been exceptional on the road this season, posting a 1.16 ERA in 17 starts away from Yankee Stadium, which could influence how the team sets its ALDS rotation.
For now, the focus is on advancing past the first round. Cole appears to be in a much better place after a delayed start to his 2026 season following Tommy John surgery rehabilitation. "I wanted to come back, get in the rotation, and stay in the rotation," said Cole, who finished the regular season with a 10-9 record and a 3.61 ERA. "Beyond that fulfilled goal, the progression from TJ surgery has gone about as well as I think you could hope."
Having missed the entire 2025 season, Cole is eager for his upcoming postseason assignment. "It's very exciting," he said. "I'm still a little disappointed that we didn't accomplish our ultimate goal, but we have a chance to do something special in October."
Key Analysis
Cole's strong tune-up and Boone's confirmation of the rotation order provide clarity for the Yankees as they enter the postseason. The decision to potentially save Schlittler for the ALDS underscores the team's confidence in his road prowess, while Cole's return from Tommy John surgery adds a compelling narrative to New York's October aspirations.
Originally reported by yahoo.