Yankees ace making long-awaited return for AL East clash

Though they just dropped two of three to their rival Boston Red Sox, the Yankees have more than held their own without Cole this season, coming into the week with the best record in MLB.

The powerful outfield duo of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto have put up historic offensive numbers. And New York's pitching, behind rookie sensation Lucas Gil, enters Monday leading baseball in ERA (3.02), tied for first in opponent's batting average (.215) and tied for the fourth-fewest home runs allowed (65).

If they want to hold off the Orioles, however, the Yankees may need a healthy Cole the rest of the way. The 33-year-old is not only the team's most accomplished pitcher, but he's one of the best arms in MLB. 

With 88 games left in the regular season, New York is bound to have peaks and valleys the rest of the summer, but Cole has proven to be among the game's best stoppers.

Come September and October, there are few arms any team would rather have on the mound than the five-time All-Star.