New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Yankees manager Aaron Boone: Gerrit Cole 'encouraged' about hamstring

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/9/21

One day after New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole exited his start because of hamstring tightness, manager Aaron Boone said the right-hander was feeling optimistic about his situation.

"I think the next 24, 48 hours is going to determine where we move and how he responds, but I think he was encouraged by how he felt coming in here," Boone said.

"I think he's encouraged, I don't think we have anything definitive yet"

Aaron Boone on Gerrit Cole's status after his injury last night pic.twitter.com/rDxu13g1J3
— Yankees Videos (@snyyankees) September 8, 2021

Cole was pulled from Tuesday's 5-1 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the fourth inning after 70 pitches. He allowed three runs on five hits in 3.2 innings.

The 31-year-old has been one of the best pitchers in baseball this season, and the Yankees rotation will undoubtedly miss him if he's sidelined for an extended period of time.

Cole is 14-7 this season with a 2.78 ERA, 0.989 WHIP and 217 strikeouts in 158.2 innings. He's tied for the league lead in strikeouts with Philadelphia Phillies right-hander Zack Wheeler.

Since returning from his battle with COVID-19, Cole had been 4-0 with a 0.73 ERA in four starts.

Cole is expected to be a candidate for the American League Cy Young award this season alongside Robbie Ray, Lance Lynn and Carlos Rodon. He has never won the award.

The Yankees are 78-61 this season, 9.5 games behind the Tampa Bay Rays for first in the AL East and half a game behind the Boston Red Sox for second.

More must-reads: