Gerrit Cole Strikes Out 5 in 2025 Spring Training Debut
TAMPA, Fla. -- Facing an opposing club for the first time since last year’s World Series, Gerrit Cole said it was “a surprise” to make a fourth trip to the mound in his spring debut on Friday -- but a welcome one, because it meant he’d been efficient.
Economy was on Cole’s side over 3 1/3 innings of one-run ball in the Yankees’ 6-3 Grapefruit League victory over the Blue Jays. He struck out five in a 46-pitch effort, including whiffing the final batter he faced. “That’s the name of the game,” said Cole, who scattered three hits and walked none. “I’ll take it any day.”
It has been nearly a full calendar year since Cole’s spring was interrupted by a bout of right elbow inflammation, which delayed his season debut until June. He said outings like Friday’s have him feeling “way different” than he did then.
“This is my fifth time facing hitters, and I was pleasantly surprised at the command,” Cole said. “We did a good job maintaining the velocity we were looking for, not going too high, and did good job executing most of the pitches.”
Cole, who started the first and final games of the Fall Classic against the Dodgers, spent the first weeks of camp facing teammates under live batting practice settings. He was clocked as high as 95.6 mph on Friday, sitting 94.8 mph with his two-seamer.
“That’s a great sign, when you come out and you flip the first pitch and it’s 96 [mph],” Cole said. “It’s a good place to be. It allowed me to settle in.”
Cole said he has been making his changeup his spring project, this offering he tossed 15 times on Friday to register 11 strikes and three swings and misses.
“It’s been fun to tinker with it and get comfortable with the grip. Now it’s about the consistency and how I maintain the arm speed and location. I thought it had both of those qualities tonight, so it’s encouraging.” said catcher Austin Wells. “The more he throws it, the the more it’s going to be. And either way, we’re going to throw it.”
A Belli Blast
Cody Bellinger hit the first of what the Yankees hope will be many homers this season on Friday, connecting for first-inning drive to right field off Toronto’s Jake Bloss. “I’m just enjoying it, trying to do my part and get ready,” Bellinger said. “I’m feeling good, and sticking with my process and my plan to get ready for Opening Day.”
Boone said Bellinger seems “very at ease here” and has been “stacking good days of work.” Although Bellinger is focusing on the Yanks’ March 27 opener, he said putting on the pinstripes has been special. “It’s great organization with a lot of history,” Bellinger said. “Early on, you’re hanging out the dugout with players who have had unbelievable careers.”
Top of the Order
Austin Wells said he can’t ever recall taking the turn as leadoff hitter -- not at any level of baseball. Nevertheless, the Yankees catcher got look on Friday, and Boone mentioned he could see scenario where Wells hits there during the regular season. Wells didn’t do anything to douse the idea, launching leadoff homer, which Boone said was “scalded.” “It was fun,” Wells. “Maybe there’s just little less time to on deck, but it doesn’t matter where I’m at, as long as I’m the lineup.” Boone pointed to Wells’ on-base percentage against right-handed pitching as reason he might hit leadoff at times this year.
“I think he is one those guys who will get on,” said Boone. “This is something I could see with Wells.”
Donation Announced
The Yankees held on-field ceremony on Friday to present $5 million check to St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital Tampa, Fla., on behalf the Steinbrenner family.
The donation aims to expand space and improve the services of the hospital’s emergency department as part of new dedicated children’s facility anticipated for 2030, to be named the Pagidipati Children’s Hospital at St. Joseph’s. The Steinbrenner family has supported the hospital for decades, dating back to 1991, which helped fund the Steinbrenner Children’s Emergency and Trauma Center.