Astros Manager AJ Hinch Says Gerrit Cole Will Be Ready to Go Next Week Despite Injury Concerns
By Parker White
If the Houston Astros want to make a long run in October, they need right-handed starter Gerrit Cole healthy and at the top of his game.
Cole missing time with a hamstring injury is concerning, but according to Astros manager A.J. Hinch, the Cy Young nominee should be ready to go next week.
A.J. Hinch #Astros just told me that Gerrit Cole should be good to go next week. Good news for #Astros fans. #CyYoungCandidate
— Jim Bowden (@JimBowdenGM) August 15, 2019
A specific date for his return has not been given, but if they want him to return on his date in the rotation, it would be Monday against the Detroit Tigers.
The 28-year-old flame-thrower hasn't missed much time because of the hamstring issue, with his last start coming on Aug. 7 against the Colorado Rockies, during which he fanned 10 batters and allowed just two runs over six innings of work.
Gerrit Cole: On track to return next week #TakeItBack - https://t.co/rFFHUwm3iJ
— RotoWire⚾ (@RotoWireMLB) August 15, 2019
Even though the tests came back positive and he's cleared to get back out there, the Astros will likely have Cole throw a bullpen session before confirming a date on when he'll pitch next.
In 25 starts this season, Cole owns a 14-5 record with a 2.87 ERA and has 226 strikeouts over 156.2 innings.