Maybe the calls of the New York Yankees’ doom were a little premature. The moment it was announced that Gerrit Cole’s elbow issues would make him miss more than a month of action, many immediately began writing off the Bronx Bombers’ season. How can a team function without its (and perhaps even the league’s) best pitcher? But the pitching staff has stepped up in ways that few deemed possible after last season. Their skipper Aaron Boone has taken notice of this fact.

From Carlos Rodon to Nestor Cortes Jr. the pitchers have found a rebirth this season. But while it may be surprising for the fans, the Yankees skipper reacted differently. “With the talent those guys possess, I’m not surprised when they do go out and have success,” Boone said. 

As the New York Post reported, without their ace Gerrit Cole the Yankees’ pitching staff has thrived instead of falling. Currently, the Pinstripes’ ERA stands at 2.86 through 13 games – the third-best in MLB. In WAR, the Yankees’ rotation is currently the seventh-most valuable in the major leagues. 

“We feel like all the guys we’re running out there in our rotation are very capable,” Aaron Boone said. “Even the ones coming off of tough seasons or injury or whatever are not far removed from being at the top of their game, with a track record.” Boone also said that though without Cole success isn’t guaranteed, “I don’t think it’s a reach with any of those guys, either.” 

While this is an interesting development, the real story is the great comeback staged by Carlos Rodon – the $162 million pitcher who is finally coming into his own this year.

The New York Yankees’ comeback club led by Carlos Rodon 

As of now, Carlos Rodon’s ERA stands at a ridiculous 1.72. That’s a huge improvement from his disastrous 2023 where the pitcher was universally regarded as a bust signing by the Bronx fans. However, with a wider repertoire and more control the pitcher has become the “ace” that the Yankees expected him to be. Similarly, Nestor Cortes has overcome his early season woes by pitching a scoreless spell against the Miami Marlins.

The fire-breathing Luis Gil too has taken full advantage of his surprise inclusion in the rotation. With just 3 runs given in 9 innings, he has been a bright spot for the Pinstripes. Then comes Marcus Stroman, who currently has just a 2.12 ERA. As a result with their entire rotation clicking on all cylinders currently the future certainly looks bright for the Yankees. Now imagine how good they’d look once Gerrit Cole is back. That’s quite a scary thought for all rivals.