Yankees Game 5 Pitching Primer for World Series: Gerrit Cole, Luke Weaver, Nestor Cortes

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole says he is completely healthy and there is no reason to doubt him.

But as a manager Aaron Boone Since Cole was removed after 88 pitches in Game 1 of the World Series, and after Game 2 it became clear through sources that the Yanks would not have Cole available either as a starter or as a short-rest reliever, I had to wonder if Cole pitched through any physicality Problem. Ultimately, he didn't make his season debut until June 19 after suffering an elbow injury in spring training.

But a very trustworthy source has debunked this theory.

“No,” the source insisted. “There is nothing. He’s fine.”

Additionally, a Yankees employee noted that the early hook in LA came only after Boone made a mound visit; The manager hadn't signaled to the bullpen as he approached Cole. When Boone clearly recognized his ace's body language and tone, he could tell that Cole felt like he was done for the night. In other words: Cole didn't let himself be kept on a short leash during the game.

The Yanks' decision not to use Cole in Game 4 stemmed from the need to have Cole at full strength for the season to continue. The best way to get there, the Yankees concluded, was to pitch Luis Gil in Game 4 and a rested Cole in Game 5. So far, half of this plan has worked.

Cole had only had a short break in his MLB career, and that was in the 2020 playoffs.

“I feel great right now,” Cole said Tuesday afternoon. “I am available any time the team wants me to pitch. There’s nothing stopping me from pitching if the team wants me to pitch.”

And the pen?

The Yankees' five-run eighth inning in Game 4 was crucial in retaining two key relievers for another elimination game on Wednesday. Had the Yankees' lead been 7-4, Boone would have sent Luke Weaver Go back for a third up or inning in the ninth.

The manager said after Game 1 that his only regret was not letting Weaver start the 10th, which would have been his third goal. Boone hadn't wanted to lose Weaver for a few days after that.

He was willing to make the adjustment and stick with Weaver in Game 4, but after the Yankees increased their lead, he called it quits Tommy Kahnle start throwing. As the offense continued to gain momentum, Kahnle sat there Tim Mayza completed the game.

Weaver pitched two days in a row and had two ups on Tuesday. But Boone told SNY, “He'll be fine tomorrow.”

And what about Cortes?

Finally the Yankees and Nestor Cortes I've been working on figuring out how many days he has to miss after a performance. Cortes throws with a flexor strain. He contributed 1.2 innings in Game 3 and was unavailable in Game 4, he told SNY.

As for Game 5?

“I think so,” said Cortes. “I'm in a little pain, but it's a good wound. Tomorrow it will be a conversation between me and Boonie.”