Who will be the starting pitchers for Opening Day? New York Yankees vs San Francisco Giants' clash of aces previewed

With the World Baseball Classic in the rearview mirror, New York Yankees fans will not need to wait long before they get to watch their team in the regular season. After a disappointing end to their 2022 season, the Yankees will look to improve upon a strong campaign last year.

After dominating the American East Division last season with a record of 99-63, the Yankees failed to defeat their postseason rivals, the Houston Astros. Not only did the Astros sweep the Yankees 4-0, but they also went on to win the World Series, which has only added fuel to the rivalry fire.

"GOODNESS! Aaron Judge DEMOLISHES this baseball #NYY" - Fireside Yankees

After an important offseason, which saw the New York Yankees re-sign reigning American League MVP Aaron Judge to a long-term extension, they added several other pieces that may help the team get over the hump. However, the Bronx Bombers have already been hit with the injury bug, with big-ticket free agent signing Carlos Rodon slated to open the season on the IL.

On March 30th, the New York Yankees will welcome the San Francisco Giants to Yankee Stadium, opening their season against their offseason rivals. While everything went according to plan for the Yankees, the Giants were seemingly on the verge of luring Aaron Judge away from New York.

The New York Yankees and Aaron Judge will look to punish the San Francisco Giants, with Gerrit Cole looking to stifle the questionable Giants offense. The Yankees ace will make his fourth consecutive start for the pinstripes, facing off against Giants star Logan Webb.

"Happy Logan Webb Days until Opening Day!" - Alli

Heading into the Opening Day matchup, Cole had nothing but praise for his opponent. “Good pitcher; nice guy,” Cole said of Webb. “I really like the way he pitches. Aggressive, good sinker, good dude. He’s good friends with my brother-in-law [the Giants’ Brandon Crawford]. I played some TopGolf with him. He’s tough to elevate. He’s got a hell of a sinker.”

Last season, Webb enjoyed a solid season for the Giants with a 15-9 record with a 2.90 ERA and 163 strikeouts. Now with the departure of Carlos Rodon, Webb will be relied upon by the Giants to lead their pitching staff. His 192.1 innings last season were the most of his career, which he may surpass this upcoming season.

A look at Gerrit Cole's 2022 season with the New York Yankees

Last season, Gerrit Cole pitched 200.2 innings for the Yankees, posting a 13-6 record with a 3.50 ERA. While he remains one of the top starting pitchers in baseball, Cole finished second in the entire MLB for home runs given up last season, with 36 total home runs hit off Cole. Only Josiah Gray of the Washington Nationals gave up more home runs last season with 38.

"Jarred Kelenic goes deep! The Mariners have hit three home runs off of Gerrit Cole in the first inning to make it 6-0!" - Talkin' Baseball

If Cole can return to his normal elite level, the New York Yankees will need him more than ever after the injury to Rodon and likely injury to Luis Severino.