BUFFALO, N.Y. � Gerrit Cole's first win as a Yankee was recorded during his introductory press conference.
That's when he embraced the idea of winning multiple championships.
Right before this odd, COVID-19 season began, Cole reinforced the obligation of being central to the win-now mission, regardless of an abbreviated schedule and expanded playoffs.
"That's why I'm here," said the right-hander with the $324 million free agent contract. "To take on that burden and take it in stride."
So, it was comforting from the visitors' side at Sahlen Field to witness Cole's sharp tune-up Tuesday night, the lead-in to his first postseason start in pinstripes.
After two straight lopsided losses, Cole yielded just one run in a 12-1 win against the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the race for the No. 4 seed, and to host a first-round best-of-three series, the Yankees (32-23) were a game behind the Minnesota Twins, pending their outcome Tuesday.
"That'd be big for us," Giancarlo Stanton said of playing that initial series at Yankee Stadium before MLB's postseason heads to neutral sites. "We know what's at stake in that regard.
"We'll be ready either way, but we understand how important these last few games of the season are to get that."
