Gerrit Cole endured his shortest start since returning from Tommy John surgery, allowing five runs on nine hits — including three home runs — over 4⅓ innings in the New York Yankees' 12-2 loss to the New York Mets on Saturday. The 36-year-old ace has now surrendered seven homers in his past two starts, a career high for a two-start span. Unlike his previous outing against the San Diego Padres, where he adjusted and completed seven innings, Cole could not find answers against the Mets. Francisco Lindor, Luis Torrens, and Carson Benge each homered off him. Cole owns a 7.28 ERA in 10 career starts against New York, his worst against any opponent.

Despite averaging 96.9 mph on his four-seamer and feeling healthy, Cole generated just three whiffs on 40 swings. His season whiff rate of 22.3% continues a decline from 34.1% in 2022 and sits below the MLB average of 25%. Cole acknowledged the challenge of adapting to the Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenge system and league-wide trends. With at most two starts remaining before the playoffs, he vowed to make adjustments. Manager Aaron Boone expressed confidence: "I expect him to be right next time." The Yankees, who could have clinched a postseason berth with a win and a Toronto Blue Jays loss, must wait until at least Sunday.