Two injured New York pitchers are headed down very different paths. Let's dive into what's happening with the Yankees' Gerrit Cole and the Mets' Kodai Senga.
Gerrit Cole: The Yankees' Comeback Hope
A Big Step Forward
Gerrit Cole, the New York Yankees ace and reigning American League Cy Young award winner, made significant progress in his recovery from an elbow injury on Tuesday. He took the mound at Yankee Stadium for the first time since last season, throwing a 20-pitch live batting practice session. Cole's fastball even touched 96 mph, which is a promising sign for Yankees fans.
Why the Full Uniform?
Dressed in his full Yankees uniform, Cole explained, "Because I miss it." It's clear he's eager to get back to action. Although the Yankees haven't given an exact return timeline, there are whispers that Cole could be back in June. When asked about it, Cole said, "I wouldn't rule it out."
Cautious Optimism
Yankees manager Aaron Boone echoed Cole's cautious optimism. "I guess it's possible," Boone said regarding a June return. "Things are going well," he added, but he was careful not to make any predictions just yet.
Kodai Senga: A Setback for the Mets
Recovery Hits a Snag
On the other side of New York, Mets ace Kodai Senga, a 2023 All-Star and finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year award, suffered a setback in his recovery. Senga, who hasn't pitched at all this season due to a right shoulder capsule strain, encountered a new obstacle this week. Scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday, Senga was sidelined by triceps tightness instead.
Light Catching
Despite the setback, Senga was able to play a "light catch" on Tuesday, according to Mets manager Carlos Mendoza. It's a small step, but it shows that Senga is still on the road to recovery, albeit slower than hoped.
Team Directions: Contrasting Fortunes
Yankees Soaring
The different paths of these pitchers reflect the contrasting seasons for their teams. The Yankees entered Tuesday's game against the Seattle Mariners with a stellar 33-16 record, sitting comfortably at the top of the American League East. They also boasted the best record in the entire AL and led all of Major League Baseball with a 2.86 ERA.
Mets Struggling
In stark contrast, the Mets have been struggling. They entered their game against the Cleveland Guardians at 21-26, having lost eight of their last 11 games. Their team ERA stood at 3.95, ranking 14th in the league.
It's been a season of highs and lows for New York's baseball teams, with Gerrit Cole's encouraging recovery and Kodai Senga's unfortunate setback epitomizing the fortunes of the Yankees and Mets respectively.
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