Yankees RHP Gerrit Cole in line for weekend start

New York Yankees right-hander Gerrit Cole appears to be back on track to join the starting rotation this weekend.

Cole will throw a bullpen session on Friday before the Yankees make his slot official after he was scratched Tuesday due to fatigue. He's considered likely to make his eighth start of 2024 on Sunday against the Blue Jays after reporting no problems in a light workout Wednesday afternoon.

The 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner, Cole began this season dealing with right elbow inflammation that delayed his debut until June 19. He is 3-2 with a 5.40 ERA, 12 walks and 38 strikeouts in 35 innings over seven starts.

Cole, 33, is eager for a chance to erase his most recent performance. He allowed eight hits and six runs in 5 2/3 innings against the visiting New York Mets last week. His command was shaky from the start.

"I'm frustrated -- frustrated sitting in the emotions of this loss," Cole said following that outing. "But our job is to flush it and not let the play of the last six weeks affect the way we prepare for the next game."

Cole is 148-77 with a 3.21 ERA in 307 games (all starts) in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates (2013-17), Houston Astros (2018-19) and Yankees.

--Field Level Media