Rough Gerrit Cole outing raises concerns for Yankees postseason rotation

After Cole gave up a two-run blast in the second inning for his sixth home run conceded over his past two starts (compared to 13 allowed in his first 16 starts), rookie Mets outfielder Carson Benge took him deep in the third, taking advantage of an 89 mph slider.

One start earlier at the San Diego Padres, right fielder Fernando Tatis, second baseman Jake Cronenworth and third baseman Manny Machado went back-to-back-to-back against Cole to start the game.

MLB.com Yankees reporter Bryan Hoch noted Cole's seven home runs allowed over his past two starts are the most in a two-game span of his career.

He's given up at least three earned runs in four consecutive starts, and with the Yankees only averaging 3.67 runs in support when he takes the mound, it's turned his appearances, once penciled in as wins, into tossups. 

With the postseason approaching, Cole will need to get back on track soon to land prime spot in the playoff rotation. Likely AL Cy Young winner Cam Schlittler, who leads the league with a 2.06 ERA, should anchor the starting unit, while Max Fried (2.73 ERA) and Carlos Rodon (2.94 ERA) look like better options for Games 2 and 3 of a wild-card series. 

In most years, having Cole has a fourth option wouldn't a problem at all. But unless he reverts to his prime form, the Yankees could be in trouble if they advance to an extended ALDS or the ALCS.

Rather than ascending during the final weeks of the regular season, Cole is experiencing a steep drop in production. And he's running out of time to get on track.