​Yankees have clear Gerrit Cole problem ahead of playoffs appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.New York Yankees starting pitcher Gerrit Cole was once considered to be arguably the best starter in the game. Since returning from Tommy John surgery recovery earlier this season, Cole has endured ups and downs. The home run ball has been his kryptonite in recent action.Cole exited the Yankees’ game on Saturday against the New York Mets after allowing three home runs and five total earned runs across just 4.1 innings of work. He surrendered four home runs in his most recent start before Saturday. According to Jorge Castillo of ESPN, Cole’s seven home runs allowed in his past two outings are the most he’s ever surrendered in a two-start span throughout his big league career.The Yankees’ pitching has some questions, and Cole’s recent performs adds even more uncertainty. Overall, a 3.67 ERA for a veteran pitcher who began the season on the injured list is respectable. He’s been reliable enough through his 20 starts.Watch sports LIVE with fuboTV (free trial)The problem is that Cole is supposed to be improving with the more innings he receives. He was expected to be especially fresh for the postseason since he did not make his season debut until the middle of May. Instead, Cole’s production has declined over the past few weeks.Gerrit Cole’s recent underwhelming performance on the moundJohn Jones-Imagn ImagesThe right-handed hurler has surrendered at least three earned runs in each of his past four starts. Before that span, he had gone five consecutive starts without allowing more than two earned runs. To make matters worse, Cole has allowed at least four earned runs in each of his past two outings.So, is this simply a slump? Will Cole turn things around in his next outing?While it is certainly possible, Cole’s inability to limit the long ball in recent games is concerning. Baseball fans know that one swing of the bat can completely change the dynamic of a playoff game. If Cole cannot figure out his home run struggles before October, the Yankees will have an especially notable problem to deal with.For now, there is still reason to believe Cole can bounce back. However, the Mets have been underwhelming all season long. If Cole struggles against them, one can only wonder how he will pitch against a postseason team with a potentially better offense.Yankees’ postseason pitching outlookAaron Judge’s recent return from injury is unquestionably crucial. The offense, though, has been up and down at times this year. If the Yankees want to make a deep playoff run, they will need the pitching to step up.Cam Schlittler is likely the American League Cy Young frontrunner at the moment. Carlos Rodon has been limited by injuries, but he’s performed well while on the mound. The same can be said for Max Fried. Will Warren has been fairly inconsistent overall.If Cole bounces back and performs well, the