Gerrit Cole lost Game 1 by throwing one regrettable pitch, a 2-2 changeup Jonathan Aranda deposited deep into the right field bleachers. But Cole threw a solid game (five innings of one-run ball) in the 1-0 defeat to the Rays, and there’s no reason to second-guess manager Aaron Boone’s call to start him over the red-hot Carlos Rodón.
And it was Boone’s call, which is generally a great thing.
Boone called the decision a “toss-up.” But notably, he tossed aside the opinions of some other folks, even some organization suits, who preferred Rodón.
Boone opted for Cole’s Cooperstown-worthy history and especially his postseason history (2.77 October ERA going in) over recent results. Rodón has a 1.89 ERA and an MLB-best .146 BAA since his return, and he shut out the Rays over eight innings less than two weeks ago while Cole allowed nine homers in his past four starts.
