Trending Now - Yankees Pitching Impresses in Spring Opener With Scoreless Streak

WHO:

Gerrit Cole, 35-year-old right-handed pitcher for the New York Yankees

Braiden Ward, player for the Boston Red Sox

Austin Wells, catcher for the New York Yankees

Jason Delay, player for the New York Yankees

Nathan Hickey, player for the Boston Red Sox

Carlos Rodón, pitcher for the New York Yankees

Yankees manager Aaron Boone

Dr. Neal ElAttrache, team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers

WHAT:

Gerrit Cole's first pitch was a 96.6 mph fastball to Braiden Ward, who bunted for a single.

Cole's outing lasted 10 pitches, with 7 strikes, including 6 four-seam fastballs averaging 97.1 mph.

Carlos Lagrange pitched four scoreless innings against the Red Sox, allowing two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.

Lagrange's scoreless streak this spring extended to 11 innings, with an ERA of 0.66 and 13 strikeouts in 13 2/3 total innings.

Lagrange threw fastballs on 25 of his 60 pitches, averaging 99.6 mph and hitting triple digits nine times.

Lagrange's four strikeouts against the Red Sox came on changeups, a slider, and a sweeper.

The Red Sox were without almost all of their regulars during the game on March 18, 2026.

Gerrit Cole returned to game action 372 days after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his right elbow.

Cole's first pitch was a 96.6 mph fastball to Braiden Ward, who bunted for a single.

Cole's six fastballs averaged 97.1 mph, with a maximum speed of 98.7 mph and a minimum of 96.1 mph.

Carlos Lagrange pitched four scoreless innings against the Red Sox, allowing two hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.

Lagrange's scoreless streak this spring extended to 11 innings, with an ERA of 0.66 and 13 strikeouts in 13 2/3 total innings.

Lagrange's lone earned run in camp occurred on February 21, 2026, against the Tigers.

Lagrange averaged 99.6 mph on fastballs, hitting triple digits nine times during his outing.

Gerrit Cole returned to game action after 377 days, completing a scoreless first inning

Cole threw 10 pitches, with 7 strikes, including 6 four-seam fastballs averaging 97.1 mph

Cole's last official outing was on October 30, 2024, in Game 5 of the World Series

Cole underwent Tommy John surgery on March 11, 2025

Cole is signed to a $324 million, nine-year contract through 2028

Cole has a career record of 153-80 and a 3.18 ERA over 317 starts

WHERE:

George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, Florida

New York Yankees organization

Boston Red Sox organization

WHEN:

Cole's scoreless inning occurred on March 18, 2026

Cole's last spring training game before his injury was on March 6, 2025

Cole's first bullpen of spring training was on February 13, 2026

Cole faced hitters for the first time on February 20, 2026

Cole's anticipated season debut is projected for late May or early June 2026

WHY:

The Yankees have a crowded starting rotation, making it challenging for Lagrange to secure a spot on the Opening Day roster.

Cole returned to the mound after recovering from Tommy John surgery

HOW:

Cole utilized an altered windup with hands over his head during his pitching

Cole's pitching included six fastballs, two sliders, and two knuckle-curves

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 11:13 UTC)

In a standout performance, Carlos Lagrange pitched four scoreless innings against the Red Sox yesterday, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out four batters, extending his spring scoreless streak to 11 innings. Meanwhile, Gerrit Cole kicked off the game with a fastball clocked at 96.6 mph, but his outing was brief, lasting only 10 pitches with seven strikes. With the Yankees facing a crowded starting rotation, Lagrange's impressive stats, including an ERA of 0.66 and 13 strikeouts in 13 and two-thirds innings, are crucial as he vies for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 23:14 UTC)

In a significant return to the mound, Gerrit Cole made his first appearance in 372 days after Tommy John surgery, throwing a fastball clocked at 96.6 mph to Braiden Ward, who managed a bunt single. Meanwhile, Carlos Lagrange continued his impressive spring performance by pitching four scoreless innings against the Red Sox, extending his scoreless streak to 11 innings and averaging 99.6 mph on his fastballs. With the Yankees facing a crowded starting rotation, Lagrange's outstanding showing could be crucial as he vies for a spot on the Opening Day roster.

(UPDATED March 18, 2026 21:12 UTC)

In a significant comeback, Gerrit Cole returned to the mound for the New York Yankees today after 377 days away, completing a scoreless first inning against the Boston Red Sox at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, Florida. Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery last March, threw 10 pitches with 7 strikes, showcasing his altered windup and averaging 97.1 miles per hour on his fastballs. With a career record of 153 wins and 80 losses, Cole is signed to a hefty $324 million contract and is projected to make his official season debut in late May or early June.