Does Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole have a Red Sox problem?

Sure, the New York Yankees came from behind to clinch a walk-off victory against the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day Friday afternoon. But, for his second start in a row against the Yankees’ biggest rival, Gerrit Cole did not pitch like the ace he is, putting the Yankees in an early 3-0 hole in the first inning and failing to make it into the fifth inning.

In what has become a troubling trend, New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole once again struggled in the early innings against the Boston Red Sox.

In his last start against the Sox, the 2021 AL Wild Card game, the $324-million man could not record an out in the third inning after giving up three runs, which put the Yankees in a hole they couldn’t climb out of en route to a 6-2 loss.

Discussing his performance after Friday’s opener, Cole — who is not yet built up to pitch a full game — blamed his lackluster start for a delay in Opening Day festivities. The game started four minutes late due to the delay, which Cole called an “unforeseen challenge,” according to The New York Post‘s Greg Joyce.

It is troubling that Cole would blame his lack of effectiveness on a four-minute delay. He is on the short list of one of the best pitchers in the world. And while pitchers are creatures of habit, a short delay should not affect a pitcher of Cole’s caliber.

To Cole’s credit, he gutted his way through three more innings, keeping New York in the game. When the bullpen took over after Cole’s four innings and 68 pitches, the game was tied at 3-3. The Yankees would go on to win the game on Josh Donaldson’s walk off single in the 11th.

Still, Cole’s recent trend has to be worrisome for the Yankees. While he boasts a winning record against the Red Sox as a Yankee, he has only pitched seven innings once in seven starts (including the postseason). In fact, including his 2021 postseason start, in Cole’s 35 innings pitched against Boston, he has allowed 19 runs, good for a 4.89 ERA. That simply won’t cut it.

Of all the storylines to follow regarding the Yankees this season, Cole’s performance against Boston is high on the list. The AL East is expected to be ultra competitive, with the Tampa Bay Rays and Toronto Blue Jays expected to be contenders, along with the Yankees and Red Sox. Every game matters, especially games pitched by Cole, the team’s ace.

The Yankees brought Cole in the fold to win against Boston. And thus far, he has not shown a consistent ability to do so. That is a problem.

New York will only go as far as Cole will take them. If the Yankees want to clinch their ever-elusive 28th World Series championship, Cole needs to be better, especially against the Red Sox.