When will Gerrit Cole pitch next? Predicting the Yankees ace's upcoming start

Gerrit Cole suffered a crucial elbow injury right before the start of the season. After being completely shut down for a few weeks and being transferred to the 60-day IL, the starter completed a faster than expected rehab. Without the defending AL Cy Young winner, the Yanks were able to put up the best numbers in MLB. Now with their ace back, the Bombers are ready to set even higher standards.

Although, Cole and manager Aaron Boone would be a bit disappointed with how his return fixture ended up. The Yankees lost 7-6 to the O's with a no result for Cole. The loss instead went to Clay Holmes who earned two runs in the 10th inning.

Cole's 62-pitch stat line read as 4.0 IP, three hits, two earned runs and five Ks. The star pitcher didn't go for a full count as Yankees management is monitoring his workload for the time being.

"It was kind of a special game for me, little bit. It's just been a long few months, a lot of emotions" Cole said.

If the Yankees stick to the current five-man rotation including Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Nestor Cortes Jr. alongside Cole, that would mean a start on Tuesday for the six-time All-Star after a rest day for the team on Monday.

Aaron Boone satisfied with Gerrit Cole's performance

Commenting on Cole's efforts, manager Aaron Boone said he was impressed by the versatility the pitcher brought to the game. As per the coach, his pitches got better as the game progressed. The Yankees had a pre-decided 65 count for him.

"I thought he was under control and I thought as the outing went on, he got a little better and had a little bit of everything," Boone said.

Gerrit Cole would be looking to get back to his Cy Young winning form as the Bombers look to continue their lead at the top of the AL East. Although with the Orioles' win, they are now just 1.5 games behind.