AL executive’s comments on Gerrit Cole’s final start won't make Yankees’ rotation decisions any easier

As the New York Yankees get ready for a three-game showdown expected to be with the rival Boston Red Sox in the American League Wild Card series, they will have some difficult decisions to make, particularly in their starting rotation.

AL Cy Young front-runner Cam Schlittler is a lock to start either Game 1 or 2, but the Yankees will have to pick between Max Fried, Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón to get the other two games of the series. The choices aren't going to be easy, given the way this trio has performed as of late.

Although it recently appeared as if Cole was pitching his way out of the Wild Card rotation, allowing seven home runs in two starts, he has bounced back in his previous two starts. And based on one evaluation, Cole is looking more like himself with the playoffs on the horizon.

Scouting perspective on Yankees' Gerrit Cole

According to an AL executive, who scouted Cole's last start, the right-hander looked "fine" and there was not anything good or bad that stuck out in his recent outing. Per the exec, Cole's stuff and command looked the "same as usual."

This is a promising sign for Cole with the postseason on the horizon. He has struggled with surrendering the long ball (nine homers allowed in his last four starts), but has given up four runs in his last two starts combined. Of course, it's not exactly a bombastic response, either, making it difficult to see the needle moving in their direction as a result.

In Cole's latest start on Wednesday night against the Tampa Bay Rays, the righty hurled 5.2 innings, gave up two runs on three hits, walked three and struck out eight batters. He appears to be right where he needs to be with the playoffs approaching. This isn't making the Yankees' playoff rotation decisions any easier.

Who should the Yankees choose for their Wild Card rotation?

Beyond Schlittler, the Yankees will have to decide which combination they trust more in an elimination series: Cole and Fried, Cole and Rodón or Fried and Rodón. It initially seemed like a no-brainer to go Schlittler, Fried and Cole, but Rodón has been on fire lately.

In his last seven starts since coming off the IL, Rodón has a sparkling 1.89 ERA. He just tossed eight shutout innings against the Rays in his latest outing on Tuesday. The lefty gives the Yankees' already dominant rotation another strong option.

However, with Cole and Fried seemingly back on track, Rodón will likely be saved for the ALDS against the Rays if the Yankees make it that far. The Yankees can then shift to a four-man rotation in a five-game series. They could also piggyback Rodón behind Cole or Fried if they struggle in their Wild Card starts.

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