Gerrit Cole Returns to Yankees Rotation but Team Falls to Orioles in Extra Innings

New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole returned from a season-long injury to make his 2024 debut against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching four innings and allowing two runs. Despite a strong performance from Cole, including five strikeouts and a fastball topping 97 mph, the Yankees fell to the Orioles 7-6 in a dramatic 10-inning game. Cedric Mullins was pivotal for the Orioles, hitting a tiebreaking single and scoring on a throwing error in the 10th inning. The Yankees' bullpen struggled, with closer Craig Kimbrel blowing a save opportunity. Cole's return is seen as a positive step for the Yankees, who have maintained the best rotation ERA in the league despite his absence.