Yankees vs Diamondbacks Series Preview: Gerrit Cole Must Regain Form Amid 2001 Reunion
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Cited: FanDuel Sportsbook, Yahoo Sports, Arizona Sports
TL;DR
The Yankees face the Diamondbacks in a three-game series with Gerrit Cole needing to fix his home-run problem, while the 2001 championship team reunites on Saturday.
Why now
The Yankees are chasing an AL East spot and Cole’s recent struggles threaten their momentum; Arizona is celebrating its iconic 2001 title.
Agree / conflict
Some argue Cole’s track record will stabilize, but the data shows an alarming spike in home runs that can’t be ignored.
Takeaway
For the Yankees to win, Cole must limit long balls and the offense must produce against contact pitchers—plus exploit Burnes’ limited return.
The Yankees open a critical series in Phoenix, trailing the Rays by five games. Gerrit Cole, the ace, has been uncharacteristically vulnerable to home runs since early September, and he’ll face a Diamondbacks lineup that can punish mistakes. Eduardo Rodriguez, on the other side, is having a career year with a 2.62 ERA, making Friday a potential low-scoring duel if Cole can keep the ball in the park. The series also features a feel-good moment: the 2001 Diamondbacks championship reunion on Saturday, which could energize both the crowd and the home team. For New York, winning two of three is almost mandatory to keep playoff hopes alive, but each game presents a different puzzle—from Schlittler’s efficiency to Burnes’ unknown stamina.
FAQ
When and where is the Yankees-Diamondbacks series?
The series runs from Friday, Sept. 18 to Sunday, Sept. 20 at Chase Field in Phoenix.
Who are the starting pitchers for each game?
Friday: Gerrit Cole (NYY) vs. Eduardo Rodriguez (ARI). Saturday: Cam Schlittler (NYY) vs. Brandon Pfaadt (ARI). Sunday: Will Warren (NYY) vs. Corbin Burnes (ARI).
Why is Gerrit Cole ‘snakebit by the long ball’?
Cole has surrendered multiple home runs in recent starts, a trend that started after his outing against the Padres. His elevated HR/9 rate is a key concern.
Are the Diamondbacks celebrating anything special?
Yes, the 2001 World Series championship team will reunite at Chase Field on Saturday, adding a festive atmosphere.
How can the Yankees win this series?
They need Cole to limit homers, Schlittler to continue his strong form, and the offense to string hits together—especially against soft-contact pitchers like Rodriguez and Pfaadt.
Sources
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