Pitching staff ace needed as team looks forward

HOUSTON — Gerrit Cole could be seeing a lot more of the New York Yankees real soon.

While there was no Game 7 for the Astros’ ace to face the Yankees in the AL Championship Series, could he start New York’s opener at Baltimore on March 26?

“The work never ends,” New York manager Aaron Boone said after Saturday night’s seasonending Game 6 loss. “We’ll continue to try and I guess close that gap or put ourselves in a position to get over the hump. I know everyone in our room believes we will, and we’ll have a lot of battle scars when we do finally get to the top of that mountain.”

Boone memorably called his team Savages in the Box during a midsummer tirade at an umpire. While that may be true, he lacked Marauders on the Mound.

Specifically in his rotation.

New York starters had a 4.51 ERA, 15th in the major leagues, well behind the elite staffs of Los Angeles Dodgers (3.11) and pennantwinning Washington (3.53) and Houston (3.61). Yankees starters were just 26th among the 30 teams in innings, more than 160 fewer than the Nationals and nearly 130 less than the Astros.

Cole will be the top available starter on the freeagent market, and the 29yearold righthander is likely to top the record contract for a pitcher, David Price’s $217 million, sevenyear deal with Boston signed ahead of the 2016 season.

Lowerpriced options include Zack Wheeler and Rick Porcello. Washington’s Stephen Strasburg could become available if he opts out of the remaining four seasons and $100 million left in his $175 million, sevenyear deal.

Spending on starting pitching has repercussions on all other decisions for a team that went back above the luxury tax threshold this year after dropping below for the first time in 2018. Shortstop Didi Gregorius, outfielder Brett Gardner and injured reliever Dellin Betances are eligible

forced fumble from Chandler Jones, linebacker Jordan Hicks had an interception and cornerback Patrick Peterson had a sack and forced fumble to help seal the game.

“Chan was great. Just watching him go to work—the whole defense really,” said Murray, the No. 1 overall draft pick who was 14 of 21 for 104 and no interceptions. “Having Pat (Peterson) back, they really got the job done today when we needed it the most. We ran the ball. We ran the hell out of it. The Oline blocked well. It was a tough road win, but we got it.”

Zane Gonzalez kicked field goals of 47 and 35 yards, the last coming after the forced fumble by Peterson, who was playing in his first game after a sixgame suspension for using performance enhancers.

“Everyone is frustrated,” said sixth overall pick Daniel Jones, who finished 22 of 35 for 223, including a 28yard TD to Rhett Ellison. “But I don’t think we’re discouraged at all. We’ll be back to work tomorrow.”

Eli Penny recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown and Barkley, who rushed for 72 yards on 18 carries, scored on a 7yard run to get the Giants within 2421 with 8:13 to go.

The Cardinals scored the first three times they had the ball with Edmonds scampering in almost untouched on his 20yard runs. The second was set up by Hicks’ interception. Gonzalez ended the third scoring drive with a 47yard field goal early in the second quarter.

New York needed only 96 seconds to get back into the game. Jones capped a fourplay, 79yard drive with his TD toss to Ellison to get the Giants on the scoreboard.

Michael Thomas, a Pro Bowl pick on special teams last season, blocked a punt by Andy Lee in the end zone on the ensuing series. Penny recovered for the touchdown to make it 1714.

Chandler Jones’ sack and recovery led to the third touchdown by Edmonds.

NOTES: WR Golden Tate led the Giants with six catches for 80 yards. .. Lee finished with four punts for an average net of 26.4 yards. … PK Aldrick Rosas banged a 37yarder off the right upright in the third quarter with the Giants down 2414. … Giants coach Pat Shurmur is winless in five challenges this season. … Arizona’s Dennis Gardeck partially blocked a punt by Riley Dixon punt early in third quarter and it went 38 yards. … Arizona players and coaches highfived 10yearyearold Matthew Gierer after a good national anthem.

INJURIES

Cardinals: Johnson was limited to one carry by ankle and back issues.

Giants: LB Lorenzo Carter had an ankle injury.

UP NEXT

Cardinals: at New Orleans on Sunday.

Giants: at Detroit on

Matt Slocum / Associated Press Astros starting pitcher Gerrit Cole could be an ace the Yankees need to sign this offseason.

Sarah Stier / Getty Images The Giant’s Golden Tate (15) catches the ball in the air as the Cardinals’ Deionte Thompson, left, and Jordan Hicks defend during the second quarter on Sunday.