Yesterday, no less than three teams were eliminated. In the National, the Dodgers and the Braves have lowered their flag, which will create a stir.
In the American League, let’s say that the elimination of the Mariners is only part of the process where the club tries to become competitive again… and the Astros were not an easy customer.
But there is still one series left: the one between the Yankees and the Guardians. The two teams will meet tonight (7 p.m.) in Game #4 of the series.
Because Cleveland leads 2-1, a win for the hosts (with Cal Quantrill on the mound) would allow them to celebrate at home before heading to Houston.
But on the other side, the Yankees need to win their next two games to stay alive. And tonight, Gerrit Cole will be on the mound.
Let’s say he’s under pressure to pitch up to his $324 million contract.
After all, in 2020, he had just arrived. In 2021, he was injured.
But the? He’s healthy and expectations have never been higher to see the Yankees go all the way with Aaron Judge on the verge of free agency.
So Cole has to throw a big one today. Why?
Because he’s Gerrit Cole, but mostly because the Yankees bullpen is tired. There are many injured and absent (Scott Effross, Ron Marinaccio, Michael King, Chad Green, Aroldis Chapman and Zack Britton) and let’s just say Clay Holmes’ health isn’t optimal either.
That’s why if Cole wanted to pitch like he did in his last game in Houston in 2019 (seven innings pitched and a run allowed in the World Series against Washington), now would be the perfect time to do it.
And if Aaron Boone can also make good decisions both in the bullpen and in positional players, the Yankees could help themselves to take the measure of the Guardians, a tiring club “to play against”, as they say in the sports world.
Clearly, if the Yankees escape it, it could brew in town. After all, expectations are high within the formation.
It’s up to Gerrit Cole to do his job, then.
