TAMPA, Fla. — Nestor Cortes, like pretty much every other pitcher in the Yankees’ clubhouse, marvels at Gerrit Cole.
But for the lefthander, it’s this first and foremost:
“Personally, I think he’s so respected in this clubhouse and probably everywhere he goes because of how much money he’s making and he’s grinding every single day like he’s trying to get that contract,” Cortes said. “That’s what I respect most about him.”
Not much was a grind for Cole in 2023, at least based on his final numbers. The righthander went 15-4 with a 2.63 ERA, making an MLB-high 33 starts and throwing an American League-high 209 innings, in capturing the AL Cy Young Award.
Cole’s first start of spring training on Friday night against the Blue Jays certainly fit “grind” mode, though.
After retiring the first two batters he faced, Cole allowed three straight hits, including a two-run homer by former Met Daniel Vogelbach and a triple by Ernie Clement. He gave up three runs and four hits in two innings in the Yankees’ 8-4 victory at Steinbrenner Field.
Cole said he would not “forget’’ Vogelbach’s celebration of a spring training home run, which seemed excessive, but he said it with a smile, and he overall was pleased with his command.
“For the most part, we were in a three- or four-inch window on the glove side repeated,’’ he said. “All the sliders were really good; one kind of came in on a righthander but it surprised him. Everything else was really well located. The curveball we went 2-for-2, the changeup 2-for-3, two good cutters. I’m executing the way I want to execute.”
The game featured two home runs by a very resurgent-looking Anthony Rizzo, including a grand slam in a six-run second inning, and two hits by Juan Soto, including his second exhibition homer and a double. Everson Pereira also homered.
Cole, who was removed after 22 pitches in the first inning but, thanks to spring training rules, was able to reenter in the second, struck out…
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