The New York Yankees will have their ace on the mound as Gerrit Cole is scheduled to start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. The matchup comes after Tuesday’s game was postponed due to inclement weather, forcing both teams to play two games on Wednesday.
For Yankees fans, the news means they’ll get to see one of baseball’s premier pitchers face the franchise that originally drafted him.
Gerrit Cole Expected to Start Game 1
The Yankees are expected to send Gerrit Cole to the mound for the afternoon opener of the doubleheader.
Expected Game 1 Pitching Matchup
- New York Yankees: Gerrit Cole (RHP)
- Pittsburgh Pirates: Mitch Keller (RHP)
Cole enters the game looking to continue his strong season and help New York secure an important victory as the club pushes through the second half of the MLB season.
Why the Yankees and Pirates Are Playing a Doubleheader
Tuesday’s scheduled contest between the Yankees and Pirates was postponed because of severe weather in New York.
As a result, Major League Baseball rescheduled the matchup as a traditional doubleheader featuring:
- Game 1: 1:05 p.m. ET
- Game 2: 7:05 p.m. ET
The Yankees are expected to start Max Fried in the second game after his return from the injured list, while the Pirates are projected to counter with Bubba Chandler.
Gerrit Cole Faces His Former Team
The matchup carries extra significance for Cole.
The Pirates selected him with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, and he made his MLB debut with Pittsburgh before eventually signing with the Yankees ahead of the 2020 season.
Since joining New York, Cole has established himself as one of baseball’s elite starting pitchers, earning multiple All-Star selections and becoming the anchor of the Yankees’ rotation.
Every meeting against Pittsburgh provides another opportunity for Cole to face the organization where his professional career began.
Yankees Counting on Their Ace
With the Yankees competing for postseason positioning, every game carries added importance.
Cole’s ability to provide quality innings and limit opposing offenses makes him one of the club’s most valuable players. Facing a Pirates lineup that has shown flashes of offensive potential, New York will look to its veteran right-hander to set the tone early in the doubleheader.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gerrit Cole pitching against the Pirates today?
Yes. Gerrit Cole is expected to start Game 1 of the Yankees’ doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Why is there a Yankees-Pirates doubleheader?
The teams are playing two games after Tuesday’s scheduled game was postponed due to weather.
Who is pitching for the Pirates against Gerrit Cole?
The Pirates are expected to start Mitch Keller in the opening game of the doubleheader.
What time does Gerrit Cole pitch?
Cole is scheduled to start Game 1 at 1:05 p.m. ET, barring any last-minute changes.
Final Thoughts
Yes, Gerrit Cole is expected to pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates, giving the Yankees a significant advantage in the opener of Wednesday’s doubleheader. The game also marks another chapter in Cole’s career against the franchise that drafted him first overall, adding another layer of intrigue to an already important matchup for both clubs.