MLB: Yankees' Covid woes continue as ace pitcher's positive test keeps him out of lineup
New York City, New York - The New York Yankees must power through another high-profile absence, now that another one of their best players must step away from his team due to Covid-19
Yankees’ star pitcher Gerrit Cole (30) tested positive for Covid-19, which caused him to miss his scheduled start on Tuesday. MLB policy states that Cole must now isolate for at least ten days, putting at least another potential upcoming start in jeopardy.
In a string of Covid-related issues this team has faced during the season, Cole is the latest player that must be absent from the Bronx Bombers as they start their run for a spot in the postseason. The team just added more firepower over the past weekend by adding Anthony Rizzo and Joey Gallo to bolster their offense. But losing a player so good at hurling the baseball for at least one game might have a negative effect on their progress going forward.
"As of now, he is the only one," the Associated Press quoted Yankees manager Aaron Boone as saying. It was Boone who made the initial announcement of Cole’s status, which he learned of himself only during the second inning of their Monday night 7-1 loss to the Orioles.
The Yankees had to grapple with a considerable outbreak back after the All-Star break in July. Superstar slugger Aaron Judge was among six players who tested positive for the virus, causing the entire game between the Yankees and Red Sox on July 15 to be postponed.
Cole is playing with a 10-6 record with a 3.16 ERA on the mound for the Yankees this season.
Cover photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire