The Yankees are not done with their multitude of COVID-19 issues, as ace Gerrit Cole has been scratched from his scheduled start Tuesday after testing positive for the virus.
Aaron Boone revealed the news following Monday’s 7-1 loss to the Orioles, adding to an ugly return home following a strong 5-1 finish against Tampa Bay and Miami on their recent road trip.
“Gerrit will not be pitching tomorrow, he’s actually tested positive for COVID…As of now he’s the only one,” Boone said.
Boone said he was alerted in the second inning of Monday’s game that Cole had tested positive. The $324 million righty will be replaced Tuesday night by Nestor Cortes, Boone said.
Aaron Judge, Gio Urshela and Kyle Higashioka were among six Yankees to be placed on the COVID-19 injured list on July 16 following the All-Star break. Cortes, Jonathan Loaisiga and Wandy Peralta were the other Yankees to be placed on the COVID-IL in July.
Cole had coughed up a season-high eight runs (seven earned) in his previous start – a 14-0 loss to the Rays – and vowed before the game to “flush” the rare poor performance.
Third-base coach Phil Nevin was among seven members of the coaching and support staff who tested positive for the virus in May after being vaccinated.
