New York Yankees: A potential Gerrit Cole problem

The New York Yankees have had one constant this season. While the rotation has had its ups and downs, and the lineup has had its share of injuries, Gerrit Cole has been there throughout. Every fifth day, the Yankees know that he will head to the mound and put together a masterful performance, giving them a great chance to emerge with a victory.

But there is now a reason for concern. Cole was one of the plethora of pitchers who went through the Astros organization and saw their spin rates dramatically improve. Major League Baseball has decided to crack down on pitchers using foreign substances, particularly after the data they collected over the past two months has led to the realization that more pitchers are using various substances than they may have suspected.

New York Yankees may have a Gerrit Cole problem

Cole was one of those players who was suspected to have found a way to enhance his stuff. Cole had suddenly lived up to his potential during his time with the Astros, and continued to be a star in New York. But this new crackdown made his first start of June all the more interesting.

The results were markedly different. Even though the velocity on his fastball was higher than it had been, the spin rate was dramatically lower. Although he was not getting beat on his fastball on Thursday, Cole still had one of his worst outings of the year, allowing five runs on five hits and two walks over five innings. He still struck out seven batters, but this was not the pitcher the Yankees had become accustomed to.

Obviously, it is just one start. Anyone can have a bad outing or two, even the greatest pitchers in the game. Cole had another clunker back on May 17, allowing five runs in five innings to the Rangers. These games happen.

But it will be interesting to watch what happens with Cole moving forward. If his spin rate continues to be lower than usual, it will be fair to wonder if those allegations of cheating had substance. He was still a very good pitcher during his time with the Pirates, so he is not likely to suddenly crater, but Cole’s performance moving forward bears watching.

Gerrit Cole suddenly lost his spin rate with a crackdown on foreign substances. This may be something the New York Yankees need to watch.